Between Twelve and One. Illustrated

Originally published in the Golden Age of detective fiction, Between Twelve and One by Vernon Loder is a tightly plotted, atmospheric mystery that blends classic whodunit structure with a touch of psychological complexity. Set in a quiet English town shaken by a chilling murder, the novel showcases Loder’s gift for suspense, character development, and ingenious plotting.

The story begins with the discovery of a dead body shortly after midnight—an apparent accident or suicide at first glance. But as Inspector Devenish begins to peel back the layers of the victim’s life, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems. Secrets, jealousies, and long-buried motives begin to surface, revealing that multiple people had reason to want the victim dead.

What sets this novel apart is Loder’s precise control of pace and mood. The hours between midnight and dawn serve not only as a narrative device but as a symbolic space where truth, guilt, and fear emerge. The psychological tension builds slowly, turning a seemingly straightforward investigation into a tangled web of suspicion and revelation.

Vernon Loder, a pseudonym of John George Hazlette Vahey, was known for his clean, fast-moving narratives and clever twists. Between Twelve and One is one of his finest works, praised for its elegant construction and gripping storyline. Fans of Agatha Christie and Freeman Wills Crofts will find much to admire in Loder’s understated, intelligent prose.

This new illustrated edition brings fresh life to a forgotten gem of British crime fiction. With evocative artwork that captures the eerie stillness of late-night investigation, it offers both new readers and vintage mystery lovers a stylish journey into a classic world of intrigue and deduction.