The Story

Set in the picturesque (and fictional) Irish town of Ballymoy, the story kicks off with the arrival of Mr. Willoughby, a polite Englishman who says he's come for a quiet painting holiday. The local doctor, Lucius O'Grady, is immediately suspicious. His doubts seem confirmed when a sensitive Admiralty document, sent to the local Anglo-Irish landowner Sir Lucius, vanishes without a trace.

The hunt for the document—and the suspected German spy who must have taken it—turns the town into a nest of paranoia. Priscilla, Sir Lucius's clever and observant daughter, finds herself right in the middle of it all, watching as accusations fly between the locals, the police, and the military. The real mystery isn't just about the missing paper, but about who you can really trust in a place where everyone has something to hide.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a joy because it's so much fun. Birmingham writes with a light, satirical touch. He pokes gentle fun at English bureaucracy, Irish nationalism, and the sheer absurdity of people convinced they're in a grand spy thriller. Priscilla is a wonderful heroine—smart, slightly mischievous, and always two steps ahead of the stuffy men around her. The plot zips along, and the dialogue crackles with dry humor. It's less about high-stakes action and more about the comedy of errors that unfolds when ordinary people play at being secret agents.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a classic mystery with a great sense of place and character. If you enjoy the cozy, village-based puzzles of authors like Dorothy L. Sayers but wish they were a bit funnier and less formal, this is your book. It's also a treat for fans of historical fiction who want a snapshot of pre-WWI Anglo-Irish relations, served with a large side of wit. A genuinely entertaining and clever read that deserves to be rediscovered.