Ever had one of those days where everything goes wrong from the moment you wake up? For lawyer Lawrence Blakeley, it starts with taking the wrong train and ends with being accused of murder. 'The Man in Lower Ten' throws Blakeley into a nightmare. He falls asleep in one train berth and wakes up in another, only to discover the rightful occupant, a man he briefly met, has been killed. To make matters worse, Blakeley's suitcase is gone, and the dead man's belongings are in his possession.

The Story

Blakeley's simple trip becomes a desperate race. The real killer is still on the train, and the evidence points squarely at our hapless hero. He teams up with a sharp, no-nonsense young woman named Alison, who was traveling with the victim. Together, they work to untangle a web of secrets, stolen documents, and mistaken identity, all while a determined detective is hot on Blakeley's trail. The chase moves from the confined, rattling cars of the train to the streets of Washington D.C., as Blakeley fights to prove his innocence before the law—or the real murderer—catches up with him.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a delight because it feels both familiar and fresh. Rinehart mastered the art of the 'had-I-but-known' style, where you're right in the narrator's anxious head. Blakeley isn't a superhero; he's a regular guy using his wits to get out of an impossible spot. The setting is fantastic—a train is the perfect place for a mystery. Everyone's trapped together, secrets are hard to keep, and the suspense builds with every mile. Plus, the dynamic between Blakeley and Alison is witty and smart. She's not just a love interest; she's a crucial partner in solving the case.

Final Verdict

This book is a perfect pick for anyone who loves classic whodunits, fans of Agatha Christie's earlier works, or readers who enjoy a mystery with a strong sense of place and time. It's not overly gritty or dark; it's a clever, fast-paced puzzle with charm and a great sense of momentum. Think of it as a literary escape into a black-and-white thriller—grab a cup of tea, settle in, and enjoy the ride.