In the years since his divorce, middle-aged writer George Garner has settled into a life of calm complacency. His only real friend is an old school chum, William Widgery, whom he has not seen in decades but with whom he maintains a lively correspondence. When Widgery disappears, perhaps having run off with a male lover, his sister contacts Garner for help. A little amateur sleuthing might be just what Garner needs to liven up his quiet existence, but soon he finds himself in over his head. The terror and suspense ratchet up to fever pitch as he finds himself pursued and menaced by shadowy enemies, leading up to a brutal and unforgettable finale.

The first crime novel by the famed English poet Roy Fuller (1912-1991), The Second Curtain (1953) returns to print at last in this new edition featuring an introduction by Alice Ferrebe.

"An unqualified success ... a horribly sinister and completely convincing murder story." - Time and Tide

"A most entertaining work ... a delightful novel." - New Statesman and Nation

'Beautifully written ... a first-class novel." - Nottingham Guardian