At the Villa Rose Part 1

Crime - Murder novel by A.E.W. Mason

Something horrible happens one night at the Villa Rose in Aix-les-baines. No one knows exactly what, the body of a rich old woman who believes in the spirits and owns a fortune in jewels is strangled to death, the maidservant is chloroformed in her room, and the charming young Mlle Celia who has learned all the tricks of performing séances has gone without a trace. And the case involves a gang of hardened criminals.

Fortunately the great detective Monsieur Hanaud is taking on the case. He allows a well-meaning, wealthy, middle-aged English tourist named Mr. Ricardo to tag along on the investigation. Hanaud is as shrewd, observant and devious as the criminals.