Portrait of a Murderer by Anne Meredith

Portrait of a Murderer (British Library Crime Classics)

by Anne Meredith

'Powerful and impressive ...there is a fine inevitability in the plot structure which gives it true tragic quality' - Dorothy L. SayersAdrian Gray was born in May 1862 and met his death through violence, at the hands of one of his own children, at Christmas, 1931. Thus begins a classic crime novel published in 1933, a riveting portrait of the psychology of a murderer. Each December, Adrian Gray invites his extended family to stay at his lonely house, Kings Poplars. None of Gray's six surviving children is fond of him; several have cause to wish him dead. The family gathers on Christmas Eve - and by the following morning, their wish has been granted. This fascinating and unusual novel tells the story of what happened that dark Christmas night; and what the murderer did next.

Reviewed by Aidan Brack (Mysteries Ahoy) on

4.5 of 5 stars

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With striking characters, moments of social commentary and a compelling plot, I found myself gripped throughout and thoroughly enjoyed its conclusion.

Read my full review at Mysteries Ahoy!

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 16 December, 2017: Finished reading
  • 8 September, 2020: Reviewed