05 - Curved Blades by Carolyn Wells

A ruthless and wealthy elderly woman is discovered murdered in the heart of her luxurious boudoir, shockingly killed by both poison and a head injury. She is found elegantly dressed and adorned with an array of precious pearls and gems, seated before her mirror. The list of suspects is intriguing - her niece, her personal secretary, her finance-managing cousin, an enigmatic count, and a seemingly dubious maid. With the police floundering, renowned criminologist Fleming Stone is enlisted. But could his fascination with the prime suspect cloud his judgment and hinder his efforts to unravel this intricate mystery? - Summary by Celine Major