First published in 1941, this is the third book in Helen McCloy’s Dr Basil Willing mystery series. Although I’ve been reading the books in order so far, it’s really not necessary and you could start anywhere. I think the first one, Dance of Death, is still my favourite but this one comes close.

The Deadly Truth begins with biochemist Roger Slater being visited in his laboratory by the glamorous Claudia Bethune and telling her about a new drug he is developing: a ‘truth serum’ based on scopolamine. After Claudia departs, Roger discovers that one of the tubes containing the drug has disappeared; aware of Claudia’s love of practical jokes and of the drug’s dangerous properties, he sets off in pursuit but, by the time he catches up with her, it’s too late. Guests are arriving at Claudia’s house for a dinner party – and are about to be served a very special cocktail.

Later that night, Dr Basil Willing, who is renting a beach hut on Claudia’s land, thinks he can see flames through the window of the Bethunes’ house and decides to investigate. It turns out there is no fire, but what he does find inside the house is just as shocking – Claudia, slumped at the table, strangled by her own emerald necklace. As the details of the dinner party begin to emerge, Basil learns that, having had their drinks spiked with the truth serum, each guest had revealed truths about themselves that they would have preferred to keep secret. Now that the effects of the drug have worn off, can Basil separate the truth from the lies and identify the murderer?

Helen McCloy’s novels all have such unusual and intriguing plots! They may seem far-fetched and unlikely at first, but really the murder in each one is just a starting point for McCloy to introduce some fascinating psychological and scientific themes and ideas; in this book, as well as the discussions of truth and lies, there’s also an interesting exploration of sound and deafness. As a New York psychiatrist, Basil Willing solves the crimes through his understanding of the human mind, looking at personalities and motives rather than spending too much time on technicalities such as alibis, and this is the kind of mystery novel I prefer. Basil does have some specialist knowledge which plays an important part in the solution of this particular mystery, but even without this knowledge the clues are there for an observant reader to pick up on. Unfortunately, I was not observant enough and allowed the red herrings McCloy drops into the story to lead me away from the correct suspect!

I think Helen McCloy is one of the best of the ‘forgotten’ crime authors I’ve discovered recently. She also seems to have been quite prolific; there are ten other Basil Willing novels and lots of standalones, so I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.

This is a very good classic crime novel from 1941, which I really enjoyed. Basil Willing is a psychiatrist working with the NY District Attorney's office. He is vacationing on Long Island at the cottage belonging to Claudia and Michael Bethune. The Bethunes like to give parties, and on this particular weekend, present are Phyllis Bethune (Michael's prior wife); Margaret Titus, a young woman; Charles Rodney, President of the Renfrew Textile Mills (Claudia is the largest share holder); and Dr. Roger Slater, who showed up at the last minute because Claudia had stolen truth pills from his lab earlier that afternoon and he wanted to get them back. However, Claudia had already put them in the mixed drinks by the time he arrived. Although Basil Willing was not at the party, he was out with a friend, and sees a light on when he is driving home. He goes to the window and sees Claudia at the table alone with face down. As he rustles a vine, he hears footsteps mounting the stairs. On getting in the room, he finds Claudia has been strangled by her emerald necklace and by time he can get it loosened, she is dead.

Although the local police come, Basil finds himself very involved with the investigation. He interviews the party goers, and finds a lot of unpalatable truths came out during dinner. The police are having their troubles, but Basil gradually gets some clues. He also wonders why someone keeps searching his cottage when he is out! As we are wondering whether the real truth of what happened will be laid bare, Willing has the guests do a reenactment of the dinner. At the end, he annouces the true murderer, and the murderer confesses.

A Bizarre Twist Of Events....
Another hugely enjoyable entry into the excellent Agora Books’ Uncrowned Queens of Crime series and the third Dr Basil Willing mystery. The eminent psychologist, and sometime amateur sleuth, has rented a cottage on Long Island anticipating a much needed holiday but in a bizarre twist of events he finds himself amidst a murder investigation instead. The plot is complex, interesting and rather unique, the characters colourful and well drawn and the dialogue credible. A pleasure, thoroughly entertaining reading and a worthy addition to the series.

I received this book for an honest review from netgalley #netgalley

while this book wasn't my cup of tea I'm sure that a lot of people will love it and truly appreciate it it was a little dark for my taste.

Another excellent novel from Helen McCloy with her character Dr Basil Willing a psychiatrist who works for the New York District Attorney. In this novel Mrs Claudia Bethune is holding a weekend party at her house, during the early hours of Saturday morning she is brutally murdered by someone using her own necklace as a tourniquet. There are five guests in the house and one of them is the murderer, follow the story and discover who committed the crime and why.

Truth...or lies? Helen McCloy wrote this stunning mystery in 1941 and I believe it's my new favourite of hers! I was engrossed the entire way through, amazed again and again at the wit and intelligence in her superb writing. McCloy exquisitely brought characters to life, especially in this book. It was easy to picture them, in particular Claudia with the unusual eyes. I love that there are "persons of interest" and "objects of interest" lists in the front. Helpful to look at before and after reading. The objects are very curious indeed!

Not only do we have a fabulous twisty and topsy turvy mystery and fascinating characters but truth serum adds another dimension of suspense, leaving readers to try to untangle the truth from the lies. Psychologist Dr. Basil Willing goes to Long Island for vacation and rents a cottage and discovers several friends of the property owner have been invited to a spontaneous dinner at nearby Blessingbourne. He does not attend as he has other plans. Claudia Bethune is notorious for her creative dinner parties and her husband puts up with them. Basil is drawn to the house after the party and encounters something quite unexpected. The house guests have a lot of explaining to do. But are they willing to hear what Basil has to say in his investigations or will they clam up? He has solved mysteries in the past with a bit of help from the police so is experienced in dealing with crime.

I've read many dinner party murder books but this one will definitely stand out as very creative and innovative.
McCloy's sense of humour is stellar here. This is one of the most riveting Golden Age mystery I've read in many months. And I have read a LOT.

The Deadly Truth should be read by all Golden Age mystery readers as well as mystery readers in general. It's quick, bright, stealthy and rollicking good fun and truly would be a shame to miss.

My sincere thank you to Agora Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this book which is to be re-published. My gratitude goes to you for re-publishing these treasures.

Great thriller about class and privilege. I highly enjoyed this book, felt a kinship with the characters. The ending was well worth it, highly recommend.