A rich childless widower gets his affairs in order; makes the Sloan his executor; and tries to kill himself but fails. 4 days later he dies in the Southport hospital due to malpractice it would appear. This soon evolves into murder and more. John Putnam Thatcher solves the mystery on behalf of the Sloan after much incisive and witty talk, typical of Emma Lathen's deft writing.

• Cover
• Copyright
• 24 John Putnam Thatcher
• 6 Elizabeth & John Putnam Thatcher
• Come to Dust Contents
• Preface
• Introduction
• Cast
• Emma Lathen Political Mysteries
• Tom Walker Mysteries
• Financial & Other Facts
• Chapter 1. Auditors will be Admitted
• Chapter 2. The Class will be Divided into Discussion Groups
• Chapter 3. No Credit
• Chapter 4. At the Pleasure of the Instructor
• Chapter 5. Papers will be Required
• Chapter 6. Supplementary Reading on Reserve
• Chapter 7. Field Trips are Scheduled
• Chapter 8. Students on the Accelerated Program
• Chapter 9. Counseling is Available
• Chapter 10. The Department Must Approve
• Chapter 11. Numerical Grades are not Given
• Chapter 12. Commencement Address
• Chapter 13. Indoor and Outdoor Sports
• Chapter 14. Chapel Required
• Chapter 15. Student Body
• Chapter 16. Midterm Examination
• Chapter 17. Bachelor of Arts
• Chapter 18. Classes will not Meet
• Chapter 19. Candidates for Degrees
• Chapter 20. Seminars for Majors Only
• Chapter 21. Independent Work
• Chapter 22. Visiting Lecturers
• Chapter 23. Please Read Introductions Carefully
• Chapter 24. Final Results will be Posted
• Chapter 25. The Sheltering Pines
• Chapter 26. Epilogue