Unexpected Night (1940) marks the debut of Henry Gamadge, Elizabeth Daly’s erudite and charming bibliophile-turned-amateur sleuth. Set in a quiet Maine resort town, the story begins with the sudden death of a young heir on the very night he arrives to claim a large inheritance. Though initially ruled natural, his death soon appears suspicious—especially when more bodies follow. As Gamadge investigates, his sharp intellect, deep literary knowledge, and understated wit help unravel a tangled web of family secrets, greed, and deception. Daly, often praised as one of Agatha Christie’s favorite American mystery writers, blends classic Golden Age plotting with graceful prose and subtle psychological insight. Unexpected Night introduces readers to a refined and quietly brilliant detective in a mystery full of atmosphere, intrigue, and elegance.
