The mystery and how it was solved was fun. The way the story was told was forced. The middle of the book, after the investigation breaks down and everyone departs the scene and until Franklin renews the investigation, is dull. The long section — written by Miss Clark — was awful. She goes on and on explaining how wonderful Godfrey is and how cheap Rachel is while trying to convert everyone to her extremely superficial but very strict brand of Christianity. Remove that section and the book becomes an 8.