The Earl of Burford cant believe his luck; Rex Ransom, his favourite star from the talkies, and his hot-shot producer, Haggermeir, want to film their next feature at Alderley, the familys seventeenth-century country estate. Somewhat less enthusiastic is the Countess, who suddenly finds herself hosting an impromptu house party for the incoming Hollywood crowd. Its almost too much for poor Merryweather, the familys imperturbable butler, to cope with. And thats before theres a murder in the dead of nightBy morning Inspector Wilkins of the Westshire Constabulary is cast in the unlikely role of hero, as he tiptoes through the evidence and endeavours to unravel the slightly batty, thoroughly baffling mysteryand work out just what a mutilated mink coat has to do with anything.For whodunit fans who prefer their villains to be nice, refined people, the sort who quote Shakespeare and knock off their nearest and dearest between rubbers of bridge, The Affair of the Mutiliated Mink is a delectable treat.