[In "Withered Murder" Anthony and Peter Shaffer] attempt a formal detective story in the classic Grand Manner: murder on a stormbound island off the coast of Cornwall sternly solved by a flamboyantly eccentric Great Detective. Unfortunately the wit of Mr. Fathom, who admits that he is "the finest detective alive," is more rude than penetrating; his detection more lucky than astute; and the trick solution is both banal and preposterous. But the writing is often literally amusing; and even a minor specimen of the now rare classic form is welcome. (pp. 26-7)
Anthony Boucher, "Report on Criminals at Large," in The New York Times Book Review (© 1956 by The New York Times Company; reprinted by permission), March 11, 1956, pp. 26-7.∗
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