Book Review: Jumping Jenny by Anthony Berkeley

Jumping Jenny is a detective story written by British author Anthony Berkeley. The story is about a man named Bill Loftus who is accused of murdering his wife. The evidence against him seems to be overwhelming, but he maintains his innocence. The case is taken up by the amateur detective, Roger Sheringham, who sets out to prove Loftus’s innocence.

The story is set in the fictional town of Newtown and revolves around the death of Mary Loftus. Mary is found dead in her home, and her husband Bill is the prime suspect. The evidence against him is damning, including the fact that he had a motive, was seen near the house at the time of the murder, and had a history of violence towards his wife.

However, Sheringham is not convinced of Bill’s guilt and begins to investigate the case. He interviews a number of witnesses and begins to uncover some inconsistencies in the evidence. He also learns that Mary had a secret lover who may have had a motive to kill her.

As Sheringham delves deeper into the case, he discovers that there is more to the murder than meets the eye. He uncovers a web of lies and deceit that leads him to the real killer. In a dramatic finale, Sheringham reveals the true culprit and clears Bill Loftus’s name.

Jumping Jenny is a classic detective story that is full of suspense and intrigue. It is an example of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction and features many of the genre’s classic elements, such as red herrings, false leads, and unexpected twists. The story is well-written and the characters are well-drawn, making it an enjoyable read for fans of the genre.

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