Death on the Dig

An Inspector Maguire Mystery

By

Louie Dylan

Author’s Note

This work is complete fiction. Any similarity to persons 

living or dead is purely coincidental.

1

st Edition 2021 © Copying, lending or transmission of this 

work is strictly prohibited, unless granted by the express 

permission of the Author. 

All Rights Reserved. 

Copyright © Louie Dylan: Under Designs and Patents Act 

1988

CHAPTER - ONE

June 1935

 I had only just finished my boiled egg

when the desk Sergeant called to inform me

of the shooting at Muckleborough Manor.

Lord Gripping-Grasper was dead, and it

sounded like a murder. Dr. Donovan, our

medical expert, and Arthur Blunt, my plain-

clothes Detective Sergeant, were already on

their way over at the behest of His

Lordship’s widow. A car would collect me

in five minutes. I gulped down the dregs of

my tea, picked up my hat and coat before

heading out of the door, still picking the

finely cut leaves from my lips as the Austin

saloon pulled up beside me.

 Muckleborough Manor, a fine granite

block built stately home, had seen five

generations of Gripping-Graspers and stood

amidst some of the most scenic countryside

in England. An hour’s drive from the town

and so I settled into the passenger’s seat as

constable Nabber steered us toward the open

road. 

 Upon our arrival, Blunt had taken control 

of the situation and busied himself taking 

statements from the household whilst 

Donovan and his assistant, Miss Gory, were 

examining the body. I sent Nabber to help 

Blunt and entered His Lordship’s study 

where, I was told, the deed had taken place.

 Lord Gripping-Grasper had taken a bullet 

between the eyes, killing him in an instant.

He lay on his back by a large oak desk, eyes 

wide open, with a startled expression upon 

his moustachioed face.

 “A clean shot,” said Donovan, “and 

according to Her Ladyship, a steel box is 

missing from the top drawer.”  

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