London lawyer Philip Lefrank, under his doctor’s advice, sets sail for America to recuperate from overwork on a relative’s farm. His visit is not as restful as he hoped. He finds tension in the household, with his host’s sons and his farm manager pitted against each other and his host’s pretty niece sparking jealousy among the men. The farm manager disappears after an argument with one of the Meadowcroft brothers, and the discovery of a human bone and some personal effects in the lime-kiln lead to a charge of murder. Against all hope, Lefrank agrees to make one grand attempt to clear the accused man of murder.

Collins based this novella on a real case of wrongful conviction from the Early Republic era. Wilkie’s title is spoiler-y, as this is exactly what happens in the book – the “dead” man turns out to be alive. ( )

Short ebook on which to end the year.

Apparently inspired by a true story, Lefrank - an overworked solicitor told to rest by his doctor - travels from London to America to stay with distant relations.

He is barely in the house when he senses a strange undercurrent between his cousins, the estate manager and and a young American woman (engaged to one of the cousins) who is living in the house.

Heated arguments and secret assignations in the moonlit garden ensue over the next few days and it's not long before the estate managerdisappears in strange circumstances. Rumours abound, some of the man's effects are found in the local lime kiln and the sons are soon arrested and charged with his murder.

The sons are found guilty, only to have their conviction overturned. Meanwhile love has blossomed between LeFrank and the young woman in the house..... ( )

A detective and attorney atmosphere, a crime that took place only in the mind of the people of a little town in USA, a trial, a handsome young girl that men around her fell in love, family plots, secrets and a lot of suspense is the content of this short story. Strong characters with intensive passions, all with light and dark sides. This incredible story surprises the reader continuously with a predictable from the beginning, reading the title of the story, happy end. ( )