Freeman Wills Crofts 
The Pit-Prop Syndicate 

'The Pit-Prop Syndicate’ by Freeman Wills Crofts is a classic detective novel published in 1922. It features Inspector French of Scotland Yard, who is tasked with investigating a suspicious railway accident in which several lives were lost. As he delves deeper into the case, French discovers that the accident may have been caused by a criminal conspiracy involving the owners of a timber company, the 'Pit-Prop Syndicate.’ The novel is known for its intricate plot, detailed investigation process, and surprise ending. It is considered one of the best works of Crofts, who was a prominent writer of the 'Golden Age’ of detective fiction.