J.J. Connington's Mystery at Lynden Sands is a masterclass in the classic British detective puzzle. It's the kind of book that invites you to settle in with a cup of tea and your thinking cap firmly on.

The Story

The scene is the Lynden Sands Hotel, a quiet spot on the English coast. The guests are a typical, unremarkable bunch—until the morning a stranger's body is found in a deck chair on the veranda. No one saw him arrive. No one knows who he is. The local police are quickly out of their depth. Luckily, Sir Clinton Driffield, a sharp-witted amateur detective, is staying nearby. He takes on the case, methodically interviewing the hotel guests and staff, piecing together their stories and alibis. The investigation reveals hidden connections, secret pasts, and a motive buried just beneath the polite surface of this seaside retreat. The question isn't just who killed the man, but how on earth they managed it in such an exposed, public place.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't a thriller full of chases and danger. The pleasure here is purely intellectual. Sir Clinton is a fantastic guide—calm, logical, and always three steps ahead. Connington lays out every clue for the reader with perfect fairness. You get the same information as the detective, which makes the final reveal incredibly satisfying if you've managed to put it together. I love how the peaceful, almost boring hotel setting contrasts with the sinister crime. It shows how darkness can hide in plain sight. The puzzle is tight, the solution is clever, and it all makes perfect sense in hindsight.

Final Verdict

Mystery at Lynden Sands is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers who are looking for a new author from that golden age. It's for readers who love the challenge of a good 'howdunit,' where the mechanics of the crime are a puzzle box waiting to be opened. If you prefer character-driven angst or fast-paced action, this might feel too slow. But if you enjoy watching a brilliant mind at work, untangling a neat and orderly mystery, this book is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.