The Clue of the New Shoe - Arthur Upfield

Another interesting and thoughtful mystery featuring Bony, the half-aborigine Detective-Inspector.  A dead body is discovered in a nearly hidden cupboard along the stairway of a lighthouse that is unoccupied and inspected at six-month intervals.  The lighthouse is located in a small resort town that, during winter, is occupied by a small number of close-knit families - yet no one can identify the body and the initial police investigation is fruitless - leading, of course, to Bony visiting the town disguised as a vacationing sheepman - a part he sustains very knowledgeably and convincingly.  How he solves the mystery is interesting, but even more interesting is his growing friendship with the local carpenter - an old man who makes inexpensive coffins....but also rich, beautiful coffins.  This man is steeped in wisdom but his relationship with Bony takes surprising turns.  Quite a nice read!