In "The Pit-Prop Syndicate," a seemingly ordinary shipment of wood, used to support mine tunnels, hides a sinister secret. Inspector Willis of Scotland Yard investigates a suspicious boat carrying "pit props" from France, suspecting it's a front for smuggling. His suspicions are confirmed when a murder linked to the operation unfolds in London. Through meticulous deduction and careful observation, Inspector Willis untangles the web of deceit, uncovering the true nature of the syndicate and bringing the criminals to justice. While lacking the flashy characters of modern thrillers, the novel's strength lies in its intricate plot and the methodical approach of Inspector Willis, making it a classic example of the Golden Age detective genre.