The Story of Ivy

A doctor is called to his front door. On the surgery table behind him he leaves a jar with a red label and, beside it, a glass spoon. The woman he loves has two minutes alone in that room, and a powder puff in her bag.

She is beautiful, universally liked, and down to one pound note and some silver. Her husband is idle and has spent their money; a millionaire has fallen in love with her. This is not a puzzle. You know what Ivy Lexton has done long before the inquest does, and the tension is in watching a charwoman, a solicitor and an accused man's mother circle a truth her prettiness keeps turning aside. An early English crime story told from the poisoner's side of the door.