# A Point of Testimony

By Carolyn Wells.

"A Point of Testimony" by Carolyn Wells is a crime fiction novel published in the early 20th century. The book revolves around the witty and humorous detective Bert Bayliss, who is summoned to investigate a murder in an affluent household. Set against the backdrop of a well-to-do society, the story provides a thrilling look at a web of suspects intertwined with motives related to inheritance and intrigue. The plot begins with the murder of Richard Hemmingway, a well-known financier, who has been strangled in his library. With a myriad of suspects, including family members and staff, Bayliss navigates through their testimonies and hidden motives. A key element emerges when evidence points to George Fiske, Hemmingway’s secretary, as the likely murderer. However, through clever deductions, Bayliss uncovers the truth: Fiske had staged the crime to cover his own machinations regarding a large sum of missing securities. Ultimately, the combination of humor and keen observation leads to a surprising revelation and the resolution of the case, showcasing Bayliss's unique approach to detective work. (Summary by Project Gutenberg, written by machine.)

- Language: English
- Subjects: Short stories; Detective and mystery stories; Murder -- Investigation -- Fiction; Detectives -- Fiction

[Read it](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/books/gutenberg/66601/read)
[Plain text](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/api/books/gutenberg/66601/text)

From Project Gutenberg. Public domain in the United States.