Poison in Jest

Although various members of the Quayle household hate each other, all are united in hatred of the paterfamilias, Judge Quayle.

A few moments after being introduced to Marle, Judge Quayle collapses after having been poisoned.

More than one poison is used in murder attempts in the household; strange shadowy figures are seen prowling the halls at night, and there is a creepy story about a marble hand that was broken from a statue of Caligula which apparently creeps around the house on its own.

A young friend of the family, Rossiter, takes a hand in detecting, with the aid of Jeff Marle; Rossiter identifies the murderer.