It was originally published in 1947, but anyone coming to ‘The Inn Closes For Christmas’ for the first time, and expecting a dark Christmassy tale, will be disappointed – certainly when it comes to the Christmassy bit. Apart from the first page, and the last twenty or so, Christmas doesn’t really get a look in. As for the dark bit – well – perverse would be more apt. The story concerns one William Sterrill who manages to overcome his shyness when growing up, certainly enough to get himself through college and become a fully qualified dentist. He sets up a practice and eventually manages to bag himself a beautiful wife in the shape of Doreen. Things go swimmingly for the pair until one fateful day when William – out for an evening drive with his wife – spins his sportscar off the road and crashes into a tree. Doreen is badly injured and must have one of her legs amputated. She then has a prosthetic leg fitted and it’s not long before she is getting about. William, however, soon comes to resent the false leg, believing that Doreen loves it more than she loves him. Increasingly put out, William then hatches a diabolical plan… This taut tale is only a tad over 150 pages, but it’s thrumming with droll humour and a real sense of unease. This handsome new hardback is rounded off with six other spiky tales from an author who many regard as the father of Celtic noir. RM

Published by Baskerville