“The Passenger from Calais”

is a classic mystery novel written by Arthur Griffiths. First published in 1895, the story follows the investigation of a murder on board a train from Calais to London.

The novel opens with the introduction of the central character, Hugh Gault, a private detective who is returning to England after a case in Paris. On his journey, he meets a mysterious woman who is traveling alone and seems to be in a distressed state. Despite his attempts to engage her in conversation, she remains tight-lipped about her identity and purpose.

Later that evening, a man is found dead in his compartment on the same train. Gault quickly becomes involved in the investigation, teaming up with a local police detective named Inspector Dawfield. As they begin to unravel the mystery, they discover that the dead man was not who he appeared to be, and that there may be more than one killer on board the train.

As the investigation progresses, Gault becomes increasingly convinced that the mysterious woman he met earlier is somehow connected to the crime. But as he tries to uncover her true identity, he finds himself drawn into a web of deception and danger that threatens to cost him his life.

One of the strengths of “The Passenger from Calais” is its intricate plot, which keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Arthur Griffiths masterfully weaves together multiple threads of intrigue and suspense, creating a compelling mystery that is full of twists and turns.

Another notable feature of the novel is the character of Hugh Gault. Unlike many detectives of the era, Gault is a flawed and complex character, haunted by his own demons and struggling to find meaning in his work. His interactions with the other characters, particularly the mysterious woman and Inspector Dawfield, are fascinating to follow and add depth to the story.

Overall, “The Passenger from Calais” is a gripping and satisfying read that will appeal to fans of classic mystery fiction. Arthur Griffiths’ skillful writing and complex characters make this novel a standout in the genre, and a must-read for anyone looking for a good mystery.