At the Villa Rose by A.E.W. Mason is a captivating and suspenseful mystery novel that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The story follows Inspector Hanaud as he investigates the murder of a wealthy widow at the Villa Rose in Monte Carlo. With its exotic setting, intricate plot twists, and well-developed characters, this book is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

One of the strengths of this novel is its attention to detail and its ability to create a vivid sense of place. Mason's descriptions of the luxurious villa and the glamorous world of Monte Carlo transport readers to a bygone era of opulence and intrigue. The character of Inspector Hanaud is also a standout in this novel, as he is a clever and intuitive detective who is not afraid to challenge the conventions of his time.

The plot of At the Villa Rose is engaging and keeps readers guessing as new clues and revelations come to light. The pacing of the story is well-executed, with a steady build-up of tension that leads to a satisfying and surprising conclusion. Overall, At the Villa Rose is a well-crafted mystery novel that will appeal to fans of classic detective fiction.

I highly recommend At the Villa Rose to anyone looking for a compelling and atmospheric mystery novel that will keep them guessing until the very end. A.E.W. Mason's skillful storytelling and intriguing characters make this book a must-read for fans of the genre.

Book Description:
Harry Wethermill, the brilliant young scientist, a graduate of Oxford and Munich, has made a fortune from his inventions, and is taking a vacation at Aix-les-Bains. There he meets, and immediately falls in love with, the young and beautiful Celia Harland, who serves as companion to the aging but warm-hearted Madam Dauvray of Paris. All this is observed by Julius Ricardo, a retired financier from the City of London, who spends every August at Aix, expecting there to find a pleasant and peaceful life. Imagine his consternation when he learns that Mme. Dauvray has been brutally murdered, and imagine Harry Wethermill's consternation when he learns that every finger of suspicion is pointed at the now vanished Celia Harland.
Implored to do so by Wethermill, Ricardo asks his friend Inspector Hanaud, the great detective of the Paris Sûreté (who is also vacationing in Aix) to involve himself in the case so that the truth may come out. Hanaud agrees to do so (with the permission of the Aix police, of course), and goes to work. Will he be up to the job? And will Harry Wethermill ultimately be glad that he called in the great man? We can only wait to find out. But surely Hanaud will exercise his powerful little grey cells – one of several characteristics he shares with a famous Belgian detective of later decades, and indeed some scholars of mystery stories suggest that Agatha Christie, in her invention of Hercule Poirot, owes a debt to Mason and his invention of Inspector Hanaud. And indeed Julius Ricardo has than a passing resemblance to Arthur Hastings, Poirot's sidekick, who is invariably a few confused steps behind the detective.
(Introduction by Nicholas Clifford)