Cyril Hare

Cyril Hare was the pseudonym of Alfred Alexander Gordon Clark, a British judge and crime writer. He is best known for his mystery novels and short stories, which often draw on his legal expertise.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Tragedy At Law

    "Tragedy at Law" follows the story of a High Court judge, Mr. Justice Barber, as he travels the circuit presiding over cases in the south of England during World War II. Amidst the backdrop of wartime Britain, the judge finds himself the target of a series of mysterious and potentially deadly "accidents." With the help of barrister Francis Pettigrew, the narrative unfolds as a classic whodunit, blending legal drama with elements of suspense and dark humor. As Pettigrew delves deeper into the investigation, the novel explores themes of justice, professional rivalry, and the complexities of the British legal system, culminating in a surprising and satisfying resolution.

    The 3551st Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. With A Bare Bodkin

    A Mystery Novel

    This novel is a classic British mystery set during World War II, revolving around the peculiar happenings in a government office relocated to a remote country house for the duration of the conflict. The protagonist, an amateur sleuth working in the office, becomes entangled in a web of intrigue when a series of cryptic messages and a suspicious suicide prompt an investigation. With a blend of wit and suspense, the story delves into the complexities of human behavior under the pressures of war, revealing secrets and solving the mystery with clever deduction and an understanding of the human psyche.

    The 5751st Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Suicide Excepted

    In this intriguing mystery, a seemingly straightforward case of suicide is thrown into question when a cryptic letter surfaces, suggesting foul play. The story unfolds in a quaint English village, where the local police inspector, with the help of a sharp-witted barrister, delves into the lives of the deceased's acquaintances. As they unravel a web of secrets and hidden motives, the investigators must navigate through a maze of deception and intrigue to uncover the truth behind the suspicious death, challenging their assumptions and revealing the darker side of human nature.

    The 15786th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. An English Murder

    Set in the post-war English countryside, this classic mystery unfolds during a snowbound Christmas gathering at Warbeck Hall. As the guests, a mix of aristocrats and political figures, settle in for the holiday, a murder disrupts the festivities. With the house cut off from the outside world by a blizzard, the guests must rely on their wits and the keen observations of Dr. Bottwink, a visiting historian, to unravel the intricate web of motives and secrets that led to the crime. The story deftly combines elements of traditional whodunits with a sharp critique of class and political tensions in mid-20th century Britain.