The Three-Cornered Halo. Inspector Cockrill Mysteries. Illustrated

The Three-Cornered Halo is a witty and unconventional mystery by Christianna Brand, featuring her beloved detective Inspector Cockrill in an unusual setting far removed from his usual English locales. First published in 1957, the novel transports readers to the sun-drenched fictional Mediterranean island of San Juan el Pirata, offering a delightful blend of murder, humor, and social satire.

The story revolves around the aristocratic yet eccentric Romanelli family, whose noble lineage is fading along with their fortunes. When rumors of sainthood surround the recently deceased family matriarch, the quiet island life is suddenly disrupted—not least by a series of suspicious events and a possible murder. The arrival of Inspector Cockrill—on what was supposed to be a relaxing holiday—puts him at the center of an increasingly bizarre case filled with secrets, lies, and superstitions.

Unlike traditional whodunits, The Three-Cornered Halo leans heavily into character-driven storytelling, laced with irony and warmth. Brand masterfully balances mystery and farce, offering a light yet intelligent narrative that plays with genre expectations. The clash of old-world nobility with modern reality adds a layer of social commentary, while the vibrant setting breathes fresh air into the Cockrill series.

This installment may lack the classic locked-room puzzle of earlier books, but it compensates with charm, wit, and an unexpected depth of feeling. For fans of Christianna Brand, The Three-Cornered Halo is a refreshing departure—an elegant and amusing mystery that proves even in paradise, human nature is as complex as ever.The Three-Cornered Halo is a witty and unconventional mystery by Christianna Brand, featuring her beloved detective Inspector Cockrill in an unusual setting far removed from his usual English locales. First published in 1957, the novel transports readers to the sun-drenched fictional Mediterranean island of San Juan el Pirata, offering a delightful blend of murder, humor, and social satire.

The story revolves around the aristocratic yet eccentric Romanelli family, whose noble lineage is fading along with their fortunes. When rumors of sainthood surround the recently deceased family matriarch, the quiet island life is suddenly disrupted—not least by a series of suspicious events and a possible murder. The arrival of Inspector Cockrill—on what was supposed to be a relaxing holiday—puts him at the center of an increasingly bizarre case filled with secrets, lies, and superstitions.

Unlike traditional whodunits, The Three-Cornered Halo leans heavily into character-driven storytelling, laced with irony and warmth. Brand masterfully balances mystery and farce, offering a light yet intelligent narrative that plays with genre expectations. The clash of old-world nobility with modern reality adds a layer of social commentary, while the vibrant setting breathes fresh air into the Cockrill series.

This installment may lack the classic locked-room puzzle of earlier books, but it compensates with charm, wit, and an unexpected depth of feeling. For fans of Christianna Brand, The Three-Cornered Halo is a refreshing departure—an elegant and amusing mystery that proves even in paradise, human nature is as complex as ever.