The Sweepstakes Murders

The Sweepstakes Murders, first published in 1931, is the 7th book in author J. J. Connington's series featuring chief-constable Sir Clinton Driffield. From the dustjacket: "Mr. Connington's new detective story opens at the end of a bridge-party, when one of the players suggests the formation of a small syndicate to have a flutter in a coming sweepstake. Winnings are to be pooled and divided among the members. Most of the bridge-players join, on terms proposed and accepted on the spur of the moment. A syndicate ticket wins a big prize. Before the money is collected, however, one of the syndicate dies, apparently by foul play. Under the agreement, his share is to be divided among the remaining ticket-holders; and suspicion naturally falls first on those who are certain to profit by the death. Personal characteristics, possible motives, alibis and circumstantial evidence provide the detectives with an intricate problem of clues and personalities."