The Widow of Bath. Illustrated

The Widow of Bath is a sharp, suspenseful crime novel by Margot Bennet, one of the few women to make a lasting mark on mid-20th-century British noir. Originally published in 1952, this intelligent and stylish mystery blends psychological intrigue, dry wit, and elegant plotting into a darkly atmospheric tale of murder, manipulation, and moral ambiguity.The story follows Hugh Everton, a man recently released from prison, who becomes entangled in a web of deceit when he’s invited to stay at a quiet English seaside hotel. Among the guests is Lucy, the enigmatic widow of a notorious criminal, whose charm and secrets ignite suspicion and danger. When a murder shatters the fragile calm of the hotel, Hugh finds himself drawn deeper into a sinister puzzle that blurs the lines between guilt and innocence.Bennet crafts a tense, slow-burning narrative full of unexpected turns, subtle character studies, and philosophical undertones. Her prose is crisp and literate, balancing classic whodunit elements with a more modern, existential flavor.More than just a mystery, The Widow of Bath is a study of postwar disillusionment, emotional isolation, and the shifting roles of men and women in a morally uncertain world. It’s both gripping and thought-provoking.This beautifully illustrated edition enhances Bennet’s vivid storytelling with artwork that captures the mood, setting, and suspense of the novel. A forgotten gem of British crime fiction, The Widow of Bath deserves its place among the great noir classics.