Published in 1927, The Three Taps is a golden-age mystery that presents a seemingly impossible crime. Wealthy businessman Samuel Bultitude is discovered dead in his locked room at the 'Motive and Opportunity' inn. The gas fire is on, the window is sealed, and a revolver is on the floor. Everything screams suicide. The police are ready to close the case.

The Story

Enter Miles Bredon, an investigator for an insurance company that stands to lose a fortune if the death is ruled a suicide. With the help of his sharp-witted wife, Angela, Bredon starts poking around. He notices the three taps by the sink: hot, cold, and a mysterious third that doesn't work. This odd detail becomes the linchpin of his theory. As Bredon digs into Bultitude's complicated family—a resentful son, a secretive daughter, and various hangers-on—he uncovers motives galore. The real question shifts from 'who wanted him dead?' to 'who could have possibly pulled it off?' The investigation becomes a battle of wits, not just with a killer, but with the physical facts of the crime scene itself.

Why You Should Read It

Knox was a master of the fair-play mystery. He gives you every clue Bredon gets. The joy isn't in a shocking twist from left field, but in watching a logical, elegant solution get built from the ground up. Bredon and Angela are a fantastic duo—their playful banter feels modern and keeps the mood light. The book is also a fun snapshot of its time, with cars, telegrams, and country-house manners. But at its heart, it's a pure puzzle. You'll find yourself staring at the ceiling, trying to figure out the trick with the taps before Bredon explains it all.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and anyone who misses the days when a mystery was a cerebral game between author and reader. It's for people who love to be outsmarted—fairly. If you're new to classic detective fiction, this is a fantastic place to start: it's short, clever, and immensely satisfying. If you're a seasoned sleuth, you'll appreciate Knox's ingenious plotting. Just be warned: you might never look at a bathroom fixture the same way again.