Forgotten Book - Framed for Hanging

Framed for Hanging, first published in 1956, is another unorthodox mystery from that interesting and original writer Guy Cullingford (in real life Constance Taylor). This is a historical mystery, set in 'Cattminster', which I suspect is based on Chester. There are several references to the famous Maybrick case, in nearby Liverpool, although I spotted one historical anachronism, given that the story appears to be set in the period of Campbell-Bannerman's prime ministership, from 1905-8.

Young and popular Richard Groom has just returned to town, much to the delight of his three aunts. Before he left to go exploring in South America, he'd been dumped by the lovely but wilful Hester, who had opted to marry the unpleasant (but rich) Dr Morby. Hester confides in Richard that she believes Morby wants to kill her. Richard agrees to meet Morby but when Morby is found dead from poison, Richard becomes the prime suspect.

It's obvious that Richard is innocent, and I have to say that the evidence on which the police rely in arresting him seemed less than watertight to me. Is Hester - who is a rather nasty piece of work - the killer? Or might it be one of Richard's two loyal pals and fellow explorers? Or even one of the aunts? 

This is a fairly slow-moving novel, and although Cullingford is good at characterisation and atmosphere, the aunts in particular seemed to me to be rather less fascinating than she evidently believed. In fact, their twittering became rather irksome. The mystery is so-so and the real culprit isn't too difficult to spot. I don't feel this is one of her better books. Of those I've read, I definitely prefer her contemporary novels.