Michael Halliday; [John Creasey] — Murder by the Way

London, Stanley Paul & Co. LTD, 1941. First edition. Cloth. A vanishingly scarce murder mystery novel by John Creasey, a touching presentation copy from the author and his newlywed wife to his mother. The first edition of this very scarce work.Signed by the author using his pen-name Michael Halliday to the title page.Inscribed by John Creasey to the recto of the front endpaper, 'For Mum with love, Jean + Jack, Xmas 1941. We think you'll thoroughly enjoy this one! Sorry about the smudge, the blotter slipped!&apos. Jean here is John's wife Evelyn Jean Fudge, whom he married in 1941.A tense murder mystery by John Creasey, under one of his twenty-eight pseudonyms, 'Michael Halliday&apos.The plot of 'Murder By the Way' follows Alan Galbraith, who sets off on his first holiday since the beginning of the war. Getting caught in a violent rainstorm with a young officer-cadet and an enticing woman, Galbraith is plunged into an exciting and mystifying plot of murder. Eight pages of publisher's adverts to the rear, dated Autumn 1941. In the original publisher's cloth binding. Externally, generally smart. A few light marks to the boards, with a larger mark to the head of the front board. Minor bumping to the head and tail of the spine and to the extremities. Cloth is a little cockled to the extremities and joints. Rear hinge is starting but firm. Very small closed tear to the head of the front endpaper. Author's inscription to the recto of the front endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are age-toned and clean. Good . Ill.: None. Good .