This book was published in 1932, long before Fellowes wrote the screenplay for Gosford Park, so I can only suppose that this book inspired the movie. Very similar premise and plot. The story opens at an English house party in the home of a very grouchy, unpleasant military general and his young but downtrodden wife. When he ends up dead, all of the visitors must remain while an inspector from Scotland Yard investigates. It's kind of like reading a literary version of the boardgame "Clue," which is always a favorite in our home.