The Harvest Murder, first published in 1937 (and also published under the title Death in the Hop Fields)
 is part of the series of mysteries featuring private detective Dr. 
Priestley. Author John Rhode , a pen name of Cecil Street (1884-1964), 
was a prolific writer of mostly detective novels, publishing more than 
140 books between 1924 and 1961. From the dustjacket: Sergeant 
Wragge happened to see it there, lying by the side of the road, and 
decided to take care of it himself. After all, a twelve-inch butcher 
knife is nothing to be left loose on a public highway. When he noticed 
those curious stains on the blade, his suspicions were more than aroused
 and he felt that he must be ready for trouble. The Sergeant's 
forebodings were swiftly corroborated by the events that followed - 
robbery, a mysterious disappearance, perhaps murder; so he felt that he 
was justified in demanding the aid of Scotland Yard. The careful 
investigations of Inspector Hanslet and Jimmy Waghorn soon had them on 
the right track; but it was Dr. Priestley's quiet, seemingly enigmatic 
suggestion that finally unearthed the solution.

Death in the Hop Fields PDF

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