The Ghost It Was has some good 1930's humor and dialogue. Richard Hull has wrote a good mystery with some interesting characters. It had a full dull spots but picked up at the end.

A winning combination!

Black comedy, unpleasant and acquisitive relations, a rich elderly uncle, hidden treasure, a ghost, a mysterious tower, spiritualism… what more could a fan of Golden Age detection wish for?

The writing, characterisation and plotting are all top notch and Hull is one of the few 1930’s writers whose dialogue does not seem dated.

This is very readable, most enjoyable and highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Agora Books for the digital review copy.

Eccentric and annoying wealthy old man who has recently become a spiritualism enthusiast gathers his family, including his scheming nephews, around him - what could possibly go wrong? Full of Hull’s characteristic wit and humor and a cast of colorful characters, a very enjoyable read. It’s a tad slow before anyone dies, but becomes quite riveting thereafter.