Who Killed Big Al? — Carroll Baker

On a lonely island off the coast of Canada stands a vast old Victorian house, inhabited by a baron with a mysterious past, his housekeeper, a maid, and his devoted butler. The baron is rumored to be incredibly rich, but he suddenly decides to sell part of the island as a resort. Eight carefully selected prospective buyers -- a wealthy but motley crew -- arrive to spend the weekend exploring the property.

Before the baron can give the visitors a sales pitch, one of them dies -- and it looks very much like murder. A constable from the mainland, an odd little fellow who idolizes Hercule Poirot, had been invited to talk about security, but he must now investigate Big Al's untimely death instead.

There is a decided lack of cooperation from the suspects, and the constable soon discovers that no one is what he seems. Not only does everyone have a dark secret, but each one also has a motive for murder. Can he solve the case before someone else is killed?

Who Killed Big Al? is a quirky homage to Agatha Christie, filled with twists, turns, suspense, and British humor.