The Duke of York's steps
"The Duke of York's Steps" by Henry Wade is a detective novel written in the late 1920s. The story revolves around Sir Garth Fratten, a respected banker, whose sudden and mysterious death prompts questions about the circumstances leading to it. Central to this narrative is Inspector John Poole, who takes on the task of unraveling the truth behind Sir Garth's demise, potentially entwined with his personal and professional relationships. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to key characters, particularly Sir Garth Fratten and his companion Leopold Hessel during a lunch at the City Constitutional Club. Their conversation hints at the weight of financial and familial pressures, with Sir Garth displaying concerning health issues, culminating in a near-fatal accident after encountering a hurried stranger. Following Sir Garth's untimely death, his daughter Inez expresses her dissatisfaction with the circumstances and initiates an investigation into the matter, which leads to Inspector Poole's involvement. This opening sets the stage for a complex investigation filled with interpersonal dynamics, societal expectations, and the veneer of respectability that belies deeper truths.