The Todd family, governed by their aged mother, are important people in Fordinghurst. When the younger brother, Heck, is found murdered in his boat at sea they do their best to hush up the scandal. They obstruct the police in their inquiries among the suspects of the locality. There has been an epidemic of crime in the neighbourhood and Scotland Yard is called in to assist the depleted police force. Chief Superintendent Littlejohn, assisted by a new recruit, Hopkinson, struggles with a tangle of lies, deceit and prejudice until he arrives at a surprising conclusion and a confusion of confessions. First published in 1972, Murder Adrift is a classic crime, full of intrigue, mysterious motives, and ingenious speculation.