Honeybath's Haven — Michael Innes

When portrait-painter and occasional detective, Charles Honeybath, pays a visit to his old friend Edwin Lightfoot, there are a few surprises in store. Edwin''s irksome wife is packing her bags, while Edwin is indulging in an eccentric game of pretence- acting the part of a long-dead petty criminal named Flannel Foot. Days later, when Edwin disappears, Honeybath finds himself with a mystery to solve and some decisions to make about his life- will he be lured by his intended haven?