The Duke of York's Steps — Henry Wade

First published in 1929, now public domain in the US and Canada, this was the first in a series of seven novels featuring the character of Chief Inspector Poole, published during the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. It is notable for its portrayal of a German Jewish character, a banker who seeks revenge and wants to murder someone for his mistreatment. It was well-received by critics and sold well. The Observer wrote "It would be difficult to overpraise it."

After banker Sir Garth Fratten is found dead near a London landmark, Poole of Scotland Yard leads the investigation. The victim has died apparently without human intervention.