Description

Mr. Connington's new detective story, The Sweepstake Murders, opens at the end of a bridge-party, when one of the players suggests the formation of a small syndicate to have a flutter in a coming sweepstake. Winnings are to be pooled and divided among the members. Most of the bridge-players join, on terms proposed and accepted on the spot of the moment. A syndicate tickets wins a big prize. Before the money is collected, however, one of the syndicate dies, apparently by foul play. Under the agreement, his share falls to be divided among the remaining ticket-holders; and suspicion naturally falls first on those who are certain to profit by death. Personal characteristics, possible motives, alibis and circumstantial evidence provide the detective with an intricate problem of clues and personalities.