In the Darkness of the Moon

«In the Darkness of the Moon» — a classic detective story about investigating a new crime in an old southern estate, where the family's past does not let go of the living, and what is happening seems almost inexplicable. At the center of the plot — Dr. Gideon Fell, an amateur detective and historian, who is invited to Maynard Hall in South Carolina. On the ocean coast, amidst family secrets, legends of past murders, and unsettling memories of the Civil War, an ordinary investigation quickly turns into a complex logical puzzle.

Henry Maynard calls Dr. Fell to his estate, but upon meeting, suddenly claims that help is no longer needed. It soon becomes clear that the case is far from closed. The history of the estate has long been overshadowed by two old «impossible» murders, and now a new mysterious incident occurs before the guests' eyes. Together with Captain Ashcroft, the detective has to deal not only with the evidence but also with an atmosphere of anxiety, where every oddity demands a precise and rational explanation.

• Dr. Gideon Fell — an amateur detective, who is consulted in the most difficult cases. He seeks rational answers where everything appears mystical.
• Henry Maynard — the owner of Maynard Hall, whose invitation initiates the investigation. His behavior from the first scenes raises questions and intensifies the tension surrounding the family history.
• Captain Ashcroft — the local police chief. He assists in the investigation and becomes an important support in the case, where old mysteries intertwine with new crimes.

«In the Darkness of the Moon» is part of the cycle about Dr. Gideon Fell. This is the 23rd and last book in the series. The novel is connected with the overall image of the main character and his method of investigation, but at its center is a standalone case with its own plot and a distinct set of characters.