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Chief Inspector Littlejohn #5
The Murder of a Quack
Nathaniel Wall, the local quack doctor, is found hanging in his consulting room in the Norfolk village of Stalden, but this was not a suicide.
Against the backdrop of a close-knit country village, an intriguing story of ambition, blackmail, fraud, false alibis and botanical trickery unravels.
Against the backdrop of a close-knit country village, an intriguing story of ambition, blackmail, fraud, false alibis and botanical trickery unravels.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1943
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About the author
George Bellairs
73 books100 followersAKA Hilary Landon
George Bellairs is the nom de plume of Harold Blundell, a crime writer and bank manager born in Heywood, near Rochdale, Lancashire, who settled in the Isle of Man on retirement. He wrote more than 50 books, most featuring the series' detective Inspector Littlejohn. He also wrote four novels under the alternative pseudonym Hilary Landon.
George Bellairs is the nom de plume of Harold Blundell, a crime writer and bank manager born in Heywood, near Rochdale, Lancashire, who settled in the Isle of Man on retirement. He wrote more than 50 books, most featuring the series' detective Inspector Littlejohn. He also wrote four novels under the alternative pseudonym Hilary Landon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 3, 2021
Chief Inspector Littlejohn is called in to investigate the murder of a 'quack' bonesetter, in a village. Pre-NHS, the locals tended to turn to the Quack, as the local doctor is an unpleasant drunk. Meanwhile, the victim, Nathanial Wall, comes from a family who have dealt with local breaks, and ailments, of the countryfolk and was trusted and respected, so it seems odd that he would have been killed. Of course, though, a murder has to have a motive and, before long, Littlejohn is unearthing local feuds, disgruntlements and resentments, as well as some intriguing cases that the Quack dealt with.
This is set during wartime, but the countryside seems relatively unaffected. Village life seems to continue, much as it always has and George Bellairs creates a fairly amusing cast of characters, although women are either pretty and spoilt or older and nags. That said, this is a pleasant enough Golden Age mystery and Littlejohn is not adverse to showing his real feelings, at times, when interviewing suspects.
This is set during wartime, but the countryside seems relatively unaffected. Village life seems to continue, much as it always has and George Bellairs creates a fairly amusing cast of characters, although women are either pretty and spoilt or older and nags. That said, this is a pleasant enough Golden Age mystery and Littlejohn is not adverse to showing his real feelings, at times, when interviewing suspects.
January 17, 2019
The Murder of a Quack (1943) by George Bellairs once again finds Scotland Yard's Inspector Littlejohn investigating murder in a small English village. This time Nathaniel Wall, a beloved local "quack" bonesetter is found hanging from one of the contraptions he uses in his cures. At first it looks like the only people who had any dislike at all for the man were certified doctors. Wall comes from a family of bonesetters (those who can manipulate bones and joints, but who have no formal training) and the people of Stalden have come to rely on his skill. In fact, they prefer him over the new doctor who has bought the practice of a doctor who long had respect for the bonesetter. Circumstances (the doctor's alcoholic ways and a certain incident of a missed broken collarbone) had caused the villagers to seek out Wall's help even more. But would a doctor really resort to murder to get rid of the competition?
Littlejohn soon discovers that there are others with a possible motive--from the young woman who had considered him an uncle...until "uncle" decided to poke his nose into her romantic affairs to the young man she wishes to marry (and who has a decided row with the doctor) to the mysterious man who once sought the doctor's help with a deformity. When newspaper clippings are found which feature a bank robbery and a well-known forgery, Littlejohn begins to wonder what the connections are. Once he figures that out, he'll be well on his way to solving the mystery. But not before another body is found at the bottom of a well....
This is another pleasant mystery in the Littlejohn line-up. The Inspector is a good man who investigates at a steady pace and with little "flair" or excitement, but provides a nice comfortable story to follow. As with the previous novel, the major complaint is that there are too few suspects. There isn't much doubt after about half-way in who the main culprit is, but Bellairs provides a little bonus that makes it well worthwhile. These stories are perfect for when you don't want a complicated mystery--just a little puzzle and nice visit to Britain of the 1940s. There is also a thread of wry humor that runs throughout and makes things interesting. ★★★ and 1/2. [rounded up]
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
Littlejohn soon discovers that there are others with a possible motive--from the young woman who had considered him an uncle...until "uncle" decided to poke his nose into her romantic affairs to the young man she wishes to marry (and who has a decided row with the doctor) to the mysterious man who once sought the doctor's help with a deformity. When newspaper clippings are found which feature a bank robbery and a well-known forgery, Littlejohn begins to wonder what the connections are. Once he figures that out, he'll be well on his way to solving the mystery. But not before another body is found at the bottom of a well....
This is another pleasant mystery in the Littlejohn line-up. The Inspector is a good man who investigates at a steady pace and with little "flair" or excitement, but provides a nice comfortable story to follow. As with the previous novel, the major complaint is that there are too few suspects. There isn't much doubt after about half-way in who the main culprit is, but Bellairs provides a little bonus that makes it well worthwhile. These stories are perfect for when you don't want a complicated mystery--just a little puzzle and nice visit to Britain of the 1940s. There is also a thread of wry humor that runs throughout and makes things interesting. ★★★ and 1/2. [rounded up]
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
September 25, 2021
This is a Golden Age English village mystery. There is the usual array of village characters, including the local plodding constable, and we also have the usual detective up from Scotland Yard. The victim, Dr. Wall, is sometimes called a quack because he is a what they call a “bonesetter,” apparently what is now an osteopath. Though he is resented by the qualified local physician, Wall has a great reputation in the village for both his skill and character.
A combination of painstaking investigation and local knowledge quickly narrows the field of suspects. The book might be criticized for how quickly the prime suspect is identified, but I’d just say that the details of the crime aren’t obvious quite so quickly. And the journey to the whodunnit reveal is pleasant. This is a short, gentle mystery, suitable to while a few undemanding reading hours.
A combination of painstaking investigation and local knowledge quickly narrows the field of suspects. The book might be criticized for how quickly the prime suspect is identified, but I’d just say that the details of the crime aren’t obvious quite so quickly. And the journey to the whodunnit reveal is pleasant. This is a short, gentle mystery, suitable to while a few undemanding reading hours.
July 11, 2020
The Murder of a Quack is another murder mystery in much the same vein as Bellairs’ others: for all that Inspector Littlejohn is chasing murderers, there’s something gentle about the whole thing. I suppose it’s the tenderness and affection with which Bellairs draws some of the characters, even as he makes them funny. The feud between the two oldest men in the village, the village bobby and his squeaky shoes, the foibles of the postmistress and her love of France and all things French… There are some more ugly characters, of course, but even those show glimmers of humanity.
In this particular instalment, Scotland Yard in the shape of Inspector Littlejohn is called in to investigate the death of a local bonesetter, highly respected by most of his community, though hated by the local properly qualified doctor for being trusted and preferred when it comes to minor ailments by most of the villagers. Though he’s a “quack”, that mostly refers to his lack of official qualifications: the story makes it very clear he was an experienced and careful healer, and worthy of trust. Littlejohn has to really poke around to get hold of the murderer in this case, but once he finds the right thread and gives it a good pull, his conscientious work pays off, as always.
Littlejohn isn’t a flashy detective, but that makes him the more enjoyable in a quiet, methodical way. Bellairs’ books lack the drama of some of the other Golden Age writers, but I think more highly of his warmth and ability to draw characters with each book. And this one even made me laugh a few times!
In this particular instalment, Scotland Yard in the shape of Inspector Littlejohn is called in to investigate the death of a local bonesetter, highly respected by most of his community, though hated by the local properly qualified doctor for being trusted and preferred when it comes to minor ailments by most of the villagers. Though he’s a “quack”, that mostly refers to his lack of official qualifications: the story makes it very clear he was an experienced and careful healer, and worthy of trust. Littlejohn has to really poke around to get hold of the murderer in this case, but once he finds the right thread and gives it a good pull, his conscientious work pays off, as always.
Littlejohn isn’t a flashy detective, but that makes him the more enjoyable in a quiet, methodical way. Bellairs’ books lack the drama of some of the other Golden Age writers, but I think more highly of his warmth and ability to draw characters with each book. And this one even made me laugh a few times!
October 5, 2018
Better than the last one, he remembered to bring the plot.
One thing that is like nails on a blackboard is that he only has four female characters which are repeated over and over again in every book in the Littlejohn series; faithful wife, slut, middle aged gossip, and HENPECKING EVIL NAG WIFE FROM HELL.
He seems to have been very happily married so I can only assume he had serious mummy issues.
One thing that is like nails on a blackboard is that he only has four female characters which are repeated over and over again in every book in the Littlejohn series; faithful wife, slut, middle aged gossip, and HENPECKING EVIL NAG WIFE FROM HELL.
He seems to have been very happily married so I can only assume he had serious mummy issues.
March 25, 2023
Four and a half stars.
Another brilliant police procedural from the ever reliable Bellairs. For a change, Littlejohn was not on holiday in Provence, The Isle Of Man or anywhere else. He was actually called in by the local constabulary in Norfolk. But as per usual, the setting is in a small country town where everybody knows everybody else and is willing to talk about them. Littlejohn is investigating the strange murder of what they call a "bonesetter" a non-qualified medical practitioner (probably resembling an osteopath) who was very popular in the town. More murder and mayhem ensue, all described in the brilliant and witty prose of this most under-rated author. Not a lot of Cromwell in this one, he stayed at The Yard and did a lot of running about for Littlejohn, during which he bumps into a lady who later became his wife.
Highly recommended to lovers of classic British crime fiction.
Another brilliant police procedural from the ever reliable Bellairs. For a change, Littlejohn was not on holiday in Provence, The Isle Of Man or anywhere else. He was actually called in by the local constabulary in Norfolk. But as per usual, the setting is in a small country town where everybody knows everybody else and is willing to talk about them. Littlejohn is investigating the strange murder of what they call a "bonesetter" a non-qualified medical practitioner (probably resembling an osteopath) who was very popular in the town. More murder and mayhem ensue, all described in the brilliant and witty prose of this most under-rated author. Not a lot of Cromwell in this one, he stayed at The Yard and did a lot of running about for Littlejohn, during which he bumps into a lady who later became his wife.
Highly recommended to lovers of classic British crime fiction.
April 27, 2024
Actually read in the volume The Dead Shall be Raised & Murder of a Quack, which I recommend to Kindle users because it's two books in one for--at the time of this review--less than the cost of either | it's been awhile since I've read a Bellairs, and I've read a lot of them, so it was strange to go back to early Littlejohn (but we see Cromwell meet his wife!). The author never made his killers hard to detect, he wasn't entirely fair play (there's usually a few clues, conversations, or reports that the reader doesn't get), but they're comfortable mysteries for the War period, and that's what I was looking for.
January 19, 2026
Another good one. To be fair, I don't remember who Inspector Littlejohn is, what's he like, or his detecting methods ... but I always feel like I'm in the hands of a decent author who plays fair and tells a compelling story. And I'm always particularly grateful for being able to tell the characters apart from one another, and he's a whiz at this: tipsy doctor, batty widower, plump laundress, lucky heiress, successful nephew, etc. etc. etc. ... it's a relief.
Future self, "quack" isn't a term for a fraudster here, he's the local bonesetter, a tradition that I don't suppose continues in this day and age, and he's very well regarded, hence the sadness at his murder.
[Note: 5 star = loved it | 4 star = liked it lots | 3 star = it was fine | 2 star = disappointing | 1 star = hated it]
Future self, "quack" isn't a term for a fraudster here, he's the local bonesetter, a tradition that I don't suppose continues in this day and age, and he's very well regarded, hence the sadness at his murder.
[Note: 5 star = loved it | 4 star = liked it lots | 3 star = it was fine | 2 star = disappointing | 1 star = hated it]
September 16, 2023
Another fun mystery, this one from 1943, featuring the amiable and upright Inspector Littlejohn and a host of delightful incidental characters
October 17, 2017
Inspector Littlejohn is called in again to investigate a murder in a small village during the Second World War.
There's nothing too puzzling or out-of-the-ordinary about the murder but, overall, the book is good comfort reading. The series started during the Second World War and I suspect that, as a result, there's an element of deliberate feelgood about them - cheering up the home front. The police are all bumblers or goody-two-shoes and the majority of the villagers are salt-of-the-earth types. The baddies tend to telegraph themselves by acting... badly.
I've read two Littlejohns now and have another one lined up. And there are almost another fifty to go! I think these might make a very good 'cosy' afternoon TV series - a different village and cast of characters in every episode but with Littlejohn holding it together.
There's nothing too puzzling or out-of-the-ordinary about the murder but, overall, the book is good comfort reading. The series started during the Second World War and I suspect that, as a result, there's an element of deliberate feelgood about them - cheering up the home front. The police are all bumblers or goody-two-shoes and the majority of the villagers are salt-of-the-earth types. The baddies tend to telegraph themselves by acting... badly.
I've read two Littlejohns now and have another one lined up. And there are almost another fifty to go! I think these might make a very good 'cosy' afternoon TV series - a different village and cast of characters in every episode but with Littlejohn holding it together.
November 28, 2018
A good classic mystery. I thought the culprit was a bit predictable but not for the reasons a reader might originally think. The characters are well depicted, particularly Miss Cockayne and bobby Mellalieu. There were some amusing incidents.
December 28, 2018
This is a "pleasant," old-fashioned murder mystery that takes place in 1942 in England. The writing is very good, but we learn too soon who the prime suspect is.
March 13, 2020
This one was way more predictable, but also had a dreary sense of sameness from the last book (in both, the murders were .
The only shining light in this one was the policeman Cromwell, who in Book 3, we met for the first time. He works for Scotland Yard and when Littlejohn needs help fact-checking things in London (or nearby I guess?) while he's in some small village, Cromwell seems to be the man for the job. He was fun in the last book, as he appears for a few pages investigating charity workers and accountants, and he ends up striking a friendship with a man and creating a lifelong passion for birding! It's cuter than it sounds. Anyways, in this one he appears and stays in a b&b while doing some more investigating, and falls in love with the widow proprietor. Adorable!
On the flip side, we continue to learn nothing about Littlejohn except he has a wife at home and he writes her letters during his cases. I dislike knowing nothing about the lead detective and this is a sharp contrast to Dorothy Simpson's Inspector Thanet series. (Which, sidebar - I read last year and enjoyed so much. I think I was hoping Bellairs would be similar, and it's not going well.)
I also am having a problem with the female characters. As another reviewer says, "One thing that is like nails on a blackboard is that he only has four female characters which are repeated over and over again in every book in the Littlejohn series; faithful wife, slut, middle aged gossip, and HENPECKING EVIL NAG WIFE FROM HELL." It's true and it's boring.
In this one, we meet a woman in her 30s (Miss Cockanye I think) and she seems pretty opinionated and rather defensive of her boyfriend, and Littlejohn dislikes her immediately and thinks of her as a 'prig,' which when I read it on the page felt like a slap to the face. I went back and reread the dialogue, feeling I had missed something for Littlejohn's immediate severe dislike and couldn't find it, so I guess women shouldn't have opinions.
I don't know about continuing the series. I have the next one I think, and I might call it a day. I'm also going to take a break with some other library books. These might not be best read back to back.
The only shining light in this one was the policeman Cromwell, who in Book 3, we met for the first time. He works for Scotland Yard and when Littlejohn needs help fact-checking things in London (or nearby I guess?) while he's in some small village, Cromwell seems to be the man for the job. He was fun in the last book, as he appears for a few pages investigating charity workers and accountants, and he ends up striking a friendship with a man and creating a lifelong passion for birding! It's cuter than it sounds. Anyways, in this one he appears and stays in a b&b while doing some more investigating, and falls in love with the widow proprietor. Adorable!
On the flip side, we continue to learn nothing about Littlejohn except he has a wife at home and he writes her letters during his cases. I dislike knowing nothing about the lead detective and this is a sharp contrast to Dorothy Simpson's Inspector Thanet series. (Which, sidebar - I read last year and enjoyed so much. I think I was hoping Bellairs would be similar, and it's not going well.)
I also am having a problem with the female characters. As another reviewer says, "One thing that is like nails on a blackboard is that he only has four female characters which are repeated over and over again in every book in the Littlejohn series; faithful wife, slut, middle aged gossip, and HENPECKING EVIL NAG WIFE FROM HELL." It's true and it's boring.
In this one, we meet a woman in her 30s (Miss Cockanye I think) and she seems pretty opinionated and rather defensive of her boyfriend, and Littlejohn dislikes her immediately and thinks of her as a 'prig,' which when I read it on the page felt like a slap to the face. I went back and reread the dialogue, feeling I had missed something for Littlejohn's immediate severe dislike and couldn't find it, so I guess women shouldn't have opinions.
I don't know about continuing the series. I have the next one I think, and I might call it a day. I'm also going to take a break with some other library books. These might not be best read back to back.
February 6, 2026
Norfolk this time (Littlejohn moves around). It's quite different from #4 in the series: the plot is more complex (though not up to what the more esteemed mystery writers of the mid-10th Century create) and the writing is a lot worse.
While this reads like a police procedural, what the cops actually do is not realistic. Once again we see search and seizure without a warrant (which Ai says was not allowed in England in the 1940's). It is more in Bellairs' typical mode of depicting local culture. with somewhat stereotypical characters, amusing personal descriptions and dialect.
Two things about the writing put me off. (1) The use of cheesy language like :dastardly," "You cad!", "blighter," etc. And cliches: "Like a stubborn mule." (2) Just plain bad writing: "His brow shows above average intelligence," a briar pipe "burning furiously" (pipes don't do that), "angry footsteps," and more.
I did not mention this in my comments on #4, but the chapters start with quotations (this time from "Midsummer's Night's Dream" and I could not see what they added to the book.
Despite my rating and the above comments, this series is still fun and I will read more of them.
While this reads like a police procedural, what the cops actually do is not realistic. Once again we see search and seizure without a warrant (which Ai says was not allowed in England in the 1940's). It is more in Bellairs' typical mode of depicting local culture. with somewhat stereotypical characters, amusing personal descriptions and dialect.
Two things about the writing put me off. (1) The use of cheesy language like :dastardly," "You cad!", "blighter," etc. And cliches: "Like a stubborn mule." (2) Just plain bad writing: "His brow shows above average intelligence," a briar pipe "burning furiously" (pipes don't do that), "angry footsteps," and more.
I did not mention this in my comments on #4, but the chapters start with quotations (this time from "Midsummer's Night's Dream" and I could not see what they added to the book.
Despite my rating and the above comments, this series is still fun and I will read more of them.
September 22, 2021
The definition of a Quack at the time this was written, would seem to be different to what we understand it to be now. A quack back then referred to a bone setter and herbalist. The quack here was a medical worker who did not have the orthodox qualifications of a doctor but was a much respected man that people turned to when they needed treatment. It would seem that at times he was preferred to the village doctor, who was a drunk. The story brings in characters from outside the village where it is set, but it is still all about the village and it’s inhabitants. This brings in a lot of colourful individuals which makes it an enjoyable read. Chief Inspector Littlejohn interviews all, and picks up a lot of local gossip from the village pub, and helped by the the village policeman,discovers evidence to finally bring about a case against the murderer.
I have found I really like Littlejohn and his methods, so that reading this author’s work is highly enjoyable.
I have found I really like Littlejohn and his methods, so that reading this author’s work is highly enjoyable.
January 13, 2021
This was great.
This story is set during the Second World War and features Chief Inspector Littlejohn of Scotland Yard as the protagonist.
The story is set in a small Norfolk village where he has been called to consult.
Littlejohn isn’t flashy in the style of Sherlock Holmes, able to dazzles readers with his brilliant deductions. Instead he gathers evidence, sifts through it, looks for patterns, takes a wrong turn or two, before reaching a conclusion that is truly satisfying. Bellairs doesn’t try to make the reader feel inferior, instead he simply crafts really interesting crimes and shows the reader how they were done.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’ll certainly try to read more in the series.
This story is set during the Second World War and features Chief Inspector Littlejohn of Scotland Yard as the protagonist.
The story is set in a small Norfolk village where he has been called to consult.
Littlejohn isn’t flashy in the style of Sherlock Holmes, able to dazzles readers with his brilliant deductions. Instead he gathers evidence, sifts through it, looks for patterns, takes a wrong turn or two, before reaching a conclusion that is truly satisfying. Bellairs doesn’t try to make the reader feel inferior, instead he simply crafts really interesting crimes and shows the reader how they were done.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’ll certainly try to read more in the series.
September 6, 2020
Another well-crafted mystery in the Inspector Littlejohn series. As is usual in this series, the action takes place in a very small town, where the peculiar circumstance of a murder require the help of Scotland Yard. Inspector Tom Littlejohn arrives, works in harness with the local constable and inspector to uncover evidence, overturn lies and Red Herrings, to identify the killer and the backstory.
Also, part of the usual form, the rustic locals (at least those on the side of the law) have only bits and pieces of the puzzle, but they play critical roles. The hen-pecked local constable providing key investigative help along the way.
Also, part of the usual form, the rustic locals (at least those on the side of the law) have only bits and pieces of the puzzle, but they play critical roles. The hen-pecked local constable providing key investigative help along the way.
January 21, 2019
An improvement on the previous book. (I read the Poisoned Pen reprint that put the two in one volume.) Much more plot, and a bit more detecting! Though of course the warrantless rummaging reappears, this time featuring a shed instead of a basement.
The period-typical sexism also reappears. Bellairs doesn't write female characters well - they're all stereotyped, patronized by the male characters, and varying degrees of unpleasant. I won't be seeking out any more in the series due to this, which is a bit of a pity because Bellairs' portrayal of small-town WWII Britain is an enjoyable one.
The period-typical sexism also reappears. Bellairs doesn't write female characters well - they're all stereotyped, patronized by the male characters, and varying degrees of unpleasant. I won't be seeking out any more in the series due to this, which is a bit of a pity because Bellairs' portrayal of small-town WWII Britain is an enjoyable one.
August 4, 2018
Another most enjoyable Detective Inspector Littlejohn whodunnit from wartime. He is called in to investigate the murder by hanging of the (small) town bone-setter. A good range of characters and suspects, with the full-range of locals, from tramps, doctors, lawyers, maids, gardeners, etc. Full of wry and farcical humour and actions.
September 4, 2024
A nifty little village mystery written in 1943 under a pseudonym by a British banker. Village life and villagers are brought to life in this complex tale of double murder twice done to the same two victims!! A very simple story but pretty tricky too.
July 1, 2025
I very much enjoy this author's writing
These stories of Inspector Littlejohn paint excellent word pictures of like in mid 20th century Britain. The characters are charming and the crimes are well constructed and well executed.
The local bobby in this one quite stole the show for me.
These stories of Inspector Littlejohn paint excellent word pictures of like in mid 20th century Britain. The characters are charming and the crimes are well constructed and well executed.
The local bobby in this one quite stole the show for me.
October 10, 2017
Good plot but the ending was figured out.
January 5, 2021
A brilliant read, set in a Norfolk village during WWII. Inspector Littlejohn solves a most peculiar case. Highly recommended.
September 24, 2021
Bellairs is really a master at sketching characters, even minor ones, with depth and humor and an innate kindness that is really special.
March 6, 2022
Standard mystery. Nothing particularly original, but all the threads are tied together well at the end.
September 16, 2023
A library find.
June 19, 2024
Inspector Littlejohn investigates the murder of a popular osteopath set up to look like suicide. An enjoyable mystery, though the killer was obvious to me.
December 31, 2024
1942. Quack bonesetter Nathaniel Wall (72) of Stalden village has even murdered, in a locked room in his surgery. DCI Littlejohn is brought in to investigate.
An entertaining mystery
An entertaining mystery
August 1, 2025
Terrific.
December 5, 2024
By the middle of the book, you'll strongly suspect 'who did it' however the journey the detective character makes in reasoning/deducing is well done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews