Mystery at Lynden Sands

Name: Mystery at Lynden Sands
Author: J.J. Connington

The narrative unfolds around a murder mystery involving a man named Staveley, who is found dead on Neptune's Seat, a rock by the beach. The story begins with Paul and Jay Fordingbridge, siblings staying at a hotel, discussing family matters and the mysterious absence of their nephew, Derek. Jay believes Derek is alive and has been communicating with her through spiritualism, while Paul is skeptical and focused on managing family affairs, including the potential letting of their family estate, Foxhills. As the plot progresses, it is revealed that Staveley, who had a troubled past, was married to Cressida Fleetwood, a member of the Fordingbridge family. After Staveley's presumed death during the war, Cressida remarried Stanley Fleetwood. The story takes a turn when Derek, presumed dead, reappears, complicating family dynamics and raising questions about his inheritance. The investigation into Staveley's murder is led by Inspector Armadale, who uncovers various clues, including a .38 caliber bullet, a watch stopped at 11:19 PM, and a series of footprints leading to and from the crime scene. The evidence suggests that Cressida and Stanley may have been involved in the murder, as they had a motive related to Staveley's return and potential blackmail. As the inspector pieces together the timeline of events, he discovers that Cressida had an appointment with Staveley on the night of the murder. The narrative explores themes of family loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of past actions. The tension builds as the inspector closes in on the suspects, leading to a confrontation that reveals deeper secrets and motivations. Ultimately, the story culminates in a dramatic resolution, where the truth about Staveley's murder is unveiled, and the characters must confront the ramifications of their choices. The intricate web of relationships and the impact of the past on the present drive the narrative, making it a compelling mystery filled with twists and turns.

By J.J. Connington · First published 1930 · Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller · 17 chapters · 104,552 words

First lines

Paul Fordingbridge, with a faintly reproachful glance at his sister, interrupted his study of the financial page of The Times and put the paper down on his knee. Deliberately he removed his reading-glasses; replaced them by his ordinary spectacles; and then turned to the restless figure at the window of the private sitting-room.

"Well, Jay, you seem to have something on your mind. Would it be too much to ask you to say it -- whatever it is -- and then let me read my paper comfortably? One can't give one's mind to a thing when there's a person at one's elbow obviously ready to break out into conversation at any moment."

What this Textopian page supports

Mystery at Lynden Sands is listed on Textopian as a novel by J.J. Connington, dated 1930 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: J.J. Connington
Date: 1930 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Detective Fiction, Adventure
Length: 104,552 words
Structure: 17 chapters, 2,424 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Mystery at Lynden Sands by J.J. Connington
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The central plot revolves around solving a mystery, which is the primary focus of the narrative.
Crime — The story likely involves criminal elements or investigations related to the mystery.
Thriller — The tension and suspense associated with uncovering the mystery contribute to a thrilling reading experience.
Detective Fiction — The presence of a detective or investigator character is common in this genre, aligning with the book's themes.