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This page lists novels and short story collections that feature the amateur detective Francis Pettigrew.

Tragedy At Law

Cyril Hare

1942

A Francis Pettigrew novel.

"Tragedy at Law follows a rather self-important High Court judge, Mr Justice Barber, as he moves from town to town presiding over cases in the Southern England circuit. When an anonymous letter arrives for Barber, warning of imminent revenge, he dismisses it as the work of a harmless lunatic. But then a second letter appears, followed by a poisoned box of the judge's favourite chocolates, and he begins to fear for his life. Enter barrister and amateur detective Francis Pettigrew, a man who was once in love with Barber's wife and has never quite succeeded in his profession - can he find out who is threatening Barber before it is too late?"

With a Bare Bodkin

Cyril Hare

1946

A Francis Pettigrew novel.

"England is in the grip of the Second World War and the Blitz has forced the evacuation of various government offices from London. Francis Pettigrew, an unsuccessful barrister and amateur detective, accompanies his ministry to the distant seaside resort of Marsett Bay where the civil servants must make the best of their temporary home. In this strange atmosphere, Pettigrew begins to fall in love with his secretary, Miss Brown, who is also being courted by a widowed man who is much older than her. Bored and restless, the ministers start playing a light-hearted game of 'plan the perfect murder' to pass the time. Pettigrew, caught up in his love for Miss Brown, remains detached from the silliness - until a real murder happens, and he is drawn into solving the mystery."

When the Wind Blows

Cyril Hare

1949

A Francis Pettigrew novel.

"Famous solo violinist Lucy Carless is making a guest appearance with the provincial Markshire Orchestra, only to be found strangled with a silk stocking part-way through the concert. Everyone in the orchestra had access to the scene of the crime, and the police officer in charge, Inspector Trimble, has no idea where to start. Luckily retired barrister and amateur detective Francis Pettigrew has been acting as an honorary treasurer to the Markshire Orchestral Society, and he is soon on his way to finding the murderer."

That Yew Tree's Shade

Cyril Hare

1954

A Francis Pettigrew novel.

"Francis Pettigrew, a former barrister and sometimes amateur detective, is plucked out of what promises to be a peaceful retirement in the Home Counties to deputise for the County Court judge. The proceedings offer him some unexpected insights into the lives of the new neighbours that he has - until now - only observed through his field glasses. When 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. Despite his best efforts to leave the inquiry to the police, it is he, with the unconscious help of a teenage boy, who puts the finishing touches on the solution."

He Should Have Died Hereafter

Cyril Hare

1958

An Inspector Mallett and Francis Pettigrew novel.

"Francis Pettigrew is holidaying with his wife, Eleanor, in Exmoor when the past returns to haunt him. When he stumbles over a body on a remote hill on the moor, it brings back his childhood memory - and nightmares - of discovering a corpse in the exact same spot. This time around though the body mysteriously disappears."

Best Detective Stories

Cyril Hare

1959

"These thirty stories, selected and introduced by fellow crime writer and lawyer Michael Gilbert, are a terrific introduction to Cyril Hare's inventive and clever Golden Age detective fiction, which often turns on an ingenious use of the law. Two of the stories in this collection feature Francis Pettigrew, a barrister and amateur detective who appeared in several of Hare's novels and was perhaps his best-loved creation."

• Where There's A Will
• Miss Burnside's Dilemma
• Name Of Smith
• Murderer's Luck
• The Tragedy Of Young Macintyre
• Weight And See
• It Takes Two . . .
• Death Of A Blackmailer
• The Old Flame
• As The Inspector Said . . .
• Death Among Friends
• The Story Of Hermione
• A Surprise For Christmas
• The Heel
• The Rivals
• The Ruling Passion
• The Death Of Amy Robsart
• I Never Forget A Face
• A Life For A Life
• The Markhampton Miracle
• A Very Useful Relationship
• Sister Bessie
• Line Out Of Order
• Dropper's Delight
• Monday's Child
• Tuesday's Child
• Wednesday's Child
• Thursday's Child
• Friday's Child
• Saturday's Child

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