The Paradise Mystery by J. S. Fletcher

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The Paradise Mystery by J. S. Fletcher

(8 User reviews) 1147

By Maxwell Castillo Posted on Jan 17, 2026

In Category - Geographic History

Authors: Fletcher, J. S. (Joseph Smith), 1863-1935 Published By : Fletcher, J. S. (Joseph Smith), 1863-1935

Book Language: English

Have you ever walked through an old English cathedral and felt the weight of centuries in its stones? Now imagine finding a body at the foot of its tower. That's the hook of 'The Paradise Mystery.' This isn't just a whodunnit—it's a 'why here?' and a 'why now?' wrapped in a chilling atmosphere. J.S. Fletcher drops us into the fictional cathedral city of Wrychester, where the sudden, violent death of a respected archdeacon shatters the peace. The local police are stumped. The clues are few and bizarre. And the list of suspects includes everyone from high church officials to secretive townsfolk, each with something to hide. It's the kind of mystery where the setting itself feels like a character, whispering secrets from every Gothic archway. If you love classic puzzles where the location is key and the motives are buried deep in the past, this one's a gem waiting to be rediscovered.

File: The Paradise Mystery by J. S. Fletcher

If you're in the mood for a classic mystery that feels like stepping into a different time, let me introduce you to 'The Paradise Mystery' by J.S. Fletcher. Published in 1921, it has that wonderful Golden Age feel—a clever puzzle, a closed circle of suspects, and a solution that relies on brains, not brawn.

The Story

The story kicks off with a shocking discovery: Archdeacon Cyril Hastie is found dead at the base of the great tower of Wrychester Cathedral. It looks like a tragic accident, but things don't add up. Enter our guide, local solicitor Richard Marchmont. As he starts asking questions, he finds a community on edge. There's the Archdeacon's tense relationship with his ambitious colleague, a mysterious stranger seen lurking near the cathedral, and whispers about a hidden document related to a centuries-old church dispute. Marchmont, with help from a determined journalist and a sharp-witted friend, must sift through layers of church politics, personal grudges, and long-buried secrets to find a killer who believed their crime was the perfect, untraceable sin.

Why You Should Read It

What I loved most was the atmosphere. Fletcher builds the world of Wrychester so completely. You can almost smell the old stone and hear the choir practice. The mystery is solid—a proper 'fair play' puzzle where you get the same clues as the detective. Marchmont is a refreshing lead; he's not a genius or a tough guy, just a decent, persistent man using his knowledge of the town and its people. The plot explores how history doesn't stay dead and buried, and how institutions like a cathedral can hide all sorts of truths in their shadows.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for fans of Dorothy L. Sayers' 'The Nine Tailors' or anyone who enjoys a 'cosy crime' with a strong sense of place. It's for readers who like their mysteries intellectual rather than violent, where the thrill comes from the unraveling of a clever scheme. If you've ever wandered through an old English town and wondered about the stories in its walls, 'The Paradise Mystery' is your next great read.