That Yew Tree's Shade

That Yew Tree''s Shade (1954) was the seventh crime novel by ''Cyril Hare'', nom de plume of Alfred Gordon Clark and one of the best-loved names in English ''Golden Age'' crime writing. Gordon Clark was a county judge at the time of the novel''s composition

When Francis Pettigrew, former barrister and sometime amateur detective, is plucked out of peaceful retirement in the Home Counties to deputise for the County Court judge, the proceedings offer him some unexpected insights into the lives of his new neighbours. And after the body of a penniless widow known for her good works is found on Yew Hill, a famous local beauty spot, Pettigrew is drawn into the case as a witness.

''Cyril Hare''s style is easy and fluent, and his books are eminently readable ... A great novelist.'' Spectator