The Siamese Twin Mystery. A Problem In Deduction

ELLERY QUEEN

Publication: Frederick A Stokes Company, 1933, New York

First edition. Fine, bright copy in a bright fresh dust jacket with light professional restoration to the spine ends and corners. While on vacation, Ellery Queen and his dad are driving through the mountains when they are forced by a forest fire to seek shelter in the private home of Dr. Xavier, which is located on the top of a mountain. It becomes apparent quite rapidly that the two are trapped, as the fire continues to grow. The doctor’s home is host to an unusual assortment of characters, including his family and guests, a pair of teenage boys who are "Siamese" twins (joined at the chest), the doctor's assistant "Bones," who keeps burying mysterious parcels in the grounds, and another refugee who insists that his name is "Mr. Smith." As the fire creeps towards the top of the mountain, first the doctor and then his brother are murdered. Each victim is found clutching half a playing card, and half of a jack of diamonds seems to indicate that one - but only one - of the Siamese twins is the murderer. The seventh Ellery Queen mystery and a handsome copy.

Inventory Number: 52957