THE ENIGMA OF CONRAD STONE By Claude Houghton [Oldfield]. London: Collins, 1952. First edition, first printing. 1952 date printed to the title page, 10s. 6d. net to the jacket's flap. In this elusive mystery title, Houghton employs his trademark intricate plot with a focus on interpersonal dynamics, and in-depth characters. A criminologist is found dead, and widely varied people are concerned that their secrets might be uncovered in his private papers. Houghton, a playwright, poet, literary novelist, mystery, and fantasy author who also wrote several film novelizations in the 1920s and 30s, was acclaimed for his philosophical, human destiny, psychological, surreal, and societal themes that left a distinctive voice in British literature. A presentable vintage collectible in dust jacket. Light foxing to the outer page edges, some fading to the spine as usual, else tight, square, firm and very good plus in blue linen with dulled gilt embossed titles to the spine; in a very good dust jacket with mystery art by Curl, with slight age-toning to the spine panel, very small chips to the upper and lower spine edges, a 2.2" by 1.5" piece missing from the lower end of the lightly soiled rear panel; printed 10s. 6d. price still intact to the front inner flap. The dust jacket will be placed in a clear, removable protective sleeve after scanning for this entry. PLEASE VIEW OUR STORE FOR MORE GREAT FIRST EDITION MYSTERY BOOKS THANKS!