One May morning in 1919, in London, the painter Philip Esdaile is hosting breakfast for his friends in his Chelsea studio. Suddenly an aeroplane crashes nearby, and two airmen clinging to the same parachute fall onto the roof: one is dead, while the other, Chummy Smith, a wartime friend of the painter, has survived. On the roof they also find a pistol that has been fired.
Rather than call the police, the friends decide to keep the affair secret and find out the truth for themselves. The investigation is told by one of the guests.
Its absorbing plot and ironic tone make it an enjoyable read in the language you are learning.



















