Author: Frank Froest
Publisher: DigiCat
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 3118
Book Description
This edition includes: Frank Froest: The Maelstrom The Grell Mystery C. N. Williamson & A. M. Williamson: The Motor Maid The Girl Who Had Nothing The Second Latchkey The Castle of Shadows The House by the Lock The Guests of Hercules The Port of Adventure The Brightener The Lion's Mouse The Powers and Maxine Isabel Ostander: One Thirty The Crevice Island of Intrigue Superintendent Frank Castle Froest (1858-1930) was a British detective and crime writer. As one of the country's top detectives, he was involved in famous cases like Jameson Raid, arresting the jewel-thief 'Harry the Valet' and Dr. Crippen. Charles Norris Williamson (1859–1920) and Alice Muriel Williamson (1869-1933) were British novelists who jointly wrote a number of novels which cover the early days of motoring and can also be read as travelogues. Isabel Egenton Ostrander (1883–1924) was a British mystery writer of the early twentieth century who used, besides her own name, the pseudonyms Robert Orr Chipperfield, David Fox, and Douglas Grant. In 1920s she was notable enough to be parodied by Agatha Christie in Partners in Crime, a Tommy and Tuppence mystery that parodies many of Christie's idols.
British Murder Mysteries - 15 Classics in One Volume
Author: Frank Froest
Publisher: DigiCat
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 3118
Book Description
This edition includes: Frank Froest: The Maelstrom The Grell Mystery C. N. Williamson & A. M. Williamson: The Motor Maid The Girl Who Had Nothing The Second Latchkey The Castle of Shadows The House by the Lock The Guests of Hercules The Port of Adventure The Brightener The Lion's Mouse The Powers and Maxine Isabel Ostander: One Thirty The Crevice Island of Intrigue Superintendent Frank Castle Froest (1858-1930) was a British detective and crime writer. As one of the country's top detectives, he was involved in famous cases like Jameson Raid, arresting the jewel-thief 'Harry the Valet' and Dr. Crippen. Charles Norris Williamson (1859–1920) and Alice Muriel Williamson (1869-1933) were British novelists who jointly wrote a number of novels which cover the early days of motoring and can also be read as travelogues. Isabel Egenton Ostrander (1883–1924) was a British mystery writer of the early twentieth century who used, besides her own name, the pseudonyms Robert Orr Chipperfield, David Fox, and Douglas Grant. In 1920s she was notable enough to be parodied by Agatha Christie in Partners in Crime, a Tommy and Tuppence mystery that parodies many of Christie's idols.
Publisher: DigiCat
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 3118
Book Description
This edition includes: Frank Froest: The Maelstrom The Grell Mystery C. N. Williamson & A. M. Williamson: The Motor Maid The Girl Who Had Nothing The Second Latchkey The Castle of Shadows The House by the Lock The Guests of Hercules The Port of Adventure The Brightener The Lion's Mouse The Powers and Maxine Isabel Ostander: One Thirty The Crevice Island of Intrigue Superintendent Frank Castle Froest (1858-1930) was a British detective and crime writer. As one of the country's top detectives, he was involved in famous cases like Jameson Raid, arresting the jewel-thief 'Harry the Valet' and Dr. Crippen. Charles Norris Williamson (1859–1920) and Alice Muriel Williamson (1869-1933) were British novelists who jointly wrote a number of novels which cover the early days of motoring and can also be read as travelogues. Isabel Egenton Ostrander (1883–1924) was a British mystery writer of the early twentieth century who used, besides her own name, the pseudonyms Robert Orr Chipperfield, David Fox, and Douglas Grant. In 1920s she was notable enough to be parodied by Agatha Christie in Partners in Crime, a Tommy and Tuppence mystery that parodies many of Christie's idols.
THE WHODUNIT COLLECTION - 15 British Mystery Novels in One Volume
Author: Frank Froest
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 3117
Book Description
THE WHODUNIT COLLECTION assembles an eclectic array of British mystery novels, boasting an impressive diversity in literary styles and thematic explorations. United by the common thread of suspense and intrigue, this anthology showcases the evolution of mystery fiction from the early to mid-20th century. It navigates the reader through the foggy streets of London to the cozy, deceptive calm of rural England, capturing the essence of the British mystery novel's golden age. The collection stands out for including seminal works that have shaped the genre, offering readers a comprehensive glimpse into the literary and cultural norms of the period. The contributing authorsFrank Froest, Isabel Ostrander, Charles Norris Williamson, and Alice Muriel Williamsonbring their unique backgrounds to the anthology, enriching it with their individual experiences and literary flair. Collectively, they epitomize the vibrancy of early British mystery writing, drawing from and contributing to various literary movements of their time. Their stories, ranging from tales of deduction to psychological thrillers, reflect the socio-political tensions and the burgeoning fascination with criminal psychology of their era. This anthology invites readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of British mystery literature. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the works of seminal authors who collectively chart the course of the genre's evolution. Through this collection, readers will gain insight into the zeitgeist of early 20th-century Britain, making it a must-read for both aficionados of classic mysteries and scholars interested in the genre's development. The anthology promises a rewarding journey through the intrigue, suspense, and intellectual challenge that defines these timeless narratives.
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 3117
Book Description
THE WHODUNIT COLLECTION assembles an eclectic array of British mystery novels, boasting an impressive diversity in literary styles and thematic explorations. United by the common thread of suspense and intrigue, this anthology showcases the evolution of mystery fiction from the early to mid-20th century. It navigates the reader through the foggy streets of London to the cozy, deceptive calm of rural England, capturing the essence of the British mystery novel's golden age. The collection stands out for including seminal works that have shaped the genre, offering readers a comprehensive glimpse into the literary and cultural norms of the period. The contributing authorsFrank Froest, Isabel Ostrander, Charles Norris Williamson, and Alice Muriel Williamsonbring their unique backgrounds to the anthology, enriching it with their individual experiences and literary flair. Collectively, they epitomize the vibrancy of early British mystery writing, drawing from and contributing to various literary movements of their time. Their stories, ranging from tales of deduction to psychological thrillers, reflect the socio-political tensions and the burgeoning fascination with criminal psychology of their era. This anthology invites readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of British mystery literature. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the works of seminal authors who collectively chart the course of the genre's evolution. Through this collection, readers will gain insight into the zeitgeist of early 20th-century Britain, making it a must-read for both aficionados of classic mysteries and scholars interested in the genre's development. The anthology promises a rewarding journey through the intrigue, suspense, and intellectual challenge that defines these timeless narratives.
Murder of a Lady
Author: Anthony Wynne
Publisher: Ulverscroft Special Collection
ISBN: 9781444842128
Category : Highlands (Scotland)
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Duchlan Castle is a gloomy, forbidding place in the Scottish Highlands. There, late one night, Mary Gregor is found murdered in her own bed. She has been stabbed to death - but the room is locked from within, and the windows are bolted. The only clue as to the culprit is a tiny silver fish's scale, left on the floor next to Mary's body. Superstitious locals mutter of half-man, half-fish creatures from the local waters. Inspector Dundas is dispatched to Duchlan to investigate the case. Luckily for him, amateur sleuth Dr. Eustace Hailey is also on the scene...
Publisher: Ulverscroft Special Collection
ISBN: 9781444842128
Category : Highlands (Scotland)
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Duchlan Castle is a gloomy, forbidding place in the Scottish Highlands. There, late one night, Mary Gregor is found murdered in her own bed. She has been stabbed to death - but the room is locked from within, and the windows are bolted. The only clue as to the culprit is a tiny silver fish's scale, left on the floor next to Mary's body. Superstitious locals mutter of half-man, half-fish creatures from the local waters. Inspector Dundas is dispatched to Duchlan to investigate the case. Luckily for him, amateur sleuth Dr. Eustace Hailey is also on the scene...
Miraculous Mysteries
Author: Martin Edwards
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1464207453
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 298
Book Description
Mystery crime fiction written in the Golden Age of Murder "[R]eaders who appreciate careful plot development, slightly unusual detectives, and logical denouements will relish this volume." —Library Journal Impossible crime stories have been relished by puzzle-lovers ever since the invention of detective fiction. Fiendishly intricate cases were particularly well suited to the cerebral type of detective story that became so popular during the 'golden age of murder' between the two world wars. But the tradition goes back to the days of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins, and impossible crime stories have been written by such luminaries as Arthur Conan Doyle, G.K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers and Margery Allingham. This anthology celebrates their work, alongside long-hidden gems by less familiar writers. Together these stories demonstrate the range and high accomplishment of the classic British impossible crime story over more than half a century.
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1464207453
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 298
Book Description
Mystery crime fiction written in the Golden Age of Murder "[R]eaders who appreciate careful plot development, slightly unusual detectives, and logical denouements will relish this volume." —Library Journal Impossible crime stories have been relished by puzzle-lovers ever since the invention of detective fiction. Fiendishly intricate cases were particularly well suited to the cerebral type of detective story that became so popular during the 'golden age of murder' between the two world wars. But the tradition goes back to the days of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins, and impossible crime stories have been written by such luminaries as Arthur Conan Doyle, G.K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers and Margery Allingham. This anthology celebrates their work, alongside long-hidden gems by less familiar writers. Together these stories demonstrate the range and high accomplishment of the classic British impossible crime story over more than half a century.
Murder at the Manor
Author: Martin Edwards
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1464205744
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 340
Book Description
Mystery crime fiction written in the Golden Age of Murder "[T]he entire book is filled with country-house-mystery wonders: the closed-circle puzzle, the dying-message clue, and the sociopathic guest who invades the weekend house party." —Booklist The English country house is an iconic setting for some of the greatest British crime fiction. This new collection gathers together stories written over a span of about 65 years, during which British society, and life in country houses, was transformed out of all recognition. It includes fascinating and unfamiliar twists on the classic 'closed circle' plot, in which the assorted guests at a country house party become suspects when a crime is committed. In the more sinister tales featured here, a gloomy mansion set in lonely grounds offers an eerie backdrop for dark deeds. Many distinguished writers are represented in this collection, including such great names of the genre as Anthony Berkeley, Nicholas Blake and G.K. Chesterton. Martin Edwards has also unearthed hidden gems and forgotten masterpieces: among them are a fine send-up of the country house murder; a suspenseful tale by the unaccountably neglected Ethel Lina White; and a story by the little-known Scottish writer J.J. Bell.
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1464205744
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 340
Book Description
Mystery crime fiction written in the Golden Age of Murder "[T]he entire book is filled with country-house-mystery wonders: the closed-circle puzzle, the dying-message clue, and the sociopathic guest who invades the weekend house party." —Booklist The English country house is an iconic setting for some of the greatest British crime fiction. This new collection gathers together stories written over a span of about 65 years, during which British society, and life in country houses, was transformed out of all recognition. It includes fascinating and unfamiliar twists on the classic 'closed circle' plot, in which the assorted guests at a country house party become suspects when a crime is committed. In the more sinister tales featured here, a gloomy mansion set in lonely grounds offers an eerie backdrop for dark deeds. Many distinguished writers are represented in this collection, including such great names of the genre as Anthony Berkeley, Nicholas Blake and G.K. Chesterton. Martin Edwards has also unearthed hidden gems and forgotten masterpieces: among them are a fine send-up of the country house murder; a suspenseful tale by the unaccountably neglected Ethel Lina White; and a story by the little-known Scottish writer J.J. Bell.
THE GREATEST BRITISH DETECTIVES - Boxed Set: 190+ Murder Mysteries, Thrillers & Crime Stories (Illustrated Edition)
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 5635
Book Description
THE GREATEST BRITISH DETECTIVES - Boxed Set encompasses an era-defining collection of over 190 stories, ranging from murder mysteries and thrilling escapades to profound crime tales, illuminated by the greatest minds of early 20th century British literature. This anthology celebrates a golden age of detective fiction, marked by its stylistic diversity and intricate plotting, establishing a legacy that continues to captivate. The compilation features hallmark works that have shaped the detective genre, offering readers a panoramic view of the literary landscape during this period, without the emphasis on any single author, but rather, highlighting the collective brilliance that has forged this timeless genre. The authors, including luminaries like Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and G.K. Chesterton, come from varied backgrounds but share a common genius for entwining suspense with the subtle intricacies of human nature. Their contributions reflect not only the evolving societal norms and the complexities of the human psyche but also mirror the philosophical and moral dilemmas of their time. These narratives, rooted in different historical, cultural settings and literary movements, together weave a rich tapestry that provides a multifaceted exploration of the themes of justice, morality, and the human condition. This anthology is an indispensable treasure for readers keen on delving into the depths of detective fiction, offering a unique lens through which the evolution of the genre can be appreciated. It stands as an educational journey, a source of entertainment, and a testament to the enduring appeal of the detective story. Readers are encouraged to immerse themselves in this comprehensive collection, not only for its historical and literary value but also for the engaging dialogue it fosters between the epochal works of these master storytellers.
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 5635
Book Description
THE GREATEST BRITISH DETECTIVES - Boxed Set encompasses an era-defining collection of over 190 stories, ranging from murder mysteries and thrilling escapades to profound crime tales, illuminated by the greatest minds of early 20th century British literature. This anthology celebrates a golden age of detective fiction, marked by its stylistic diversity and intricate plotting, establishing a legacy that continues to captivate. The compilation features hallmark works that have shaped the detective genre, offering readers a panoramic view of the literary landscape during this period, without the emphasis on any single author, but rather, highlighting the collective brilliance that has forged this timeless genre. The authors, including luminaries like Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and G.K. Chesterton, come from varied backgrounds but share a common genius for entwining suspense with the subtle intricacies of human nature. Their contributions reflect not only the evolving societal norms and the complexities of the human psyche but also mirror the philosophical and moral dilemmas of their time. These narratives, rooted in different historical, cultural settings and literary movements, together weave a rich tapestry that provides a multifaceted exploration of the themes of justice, morality, and the human condition. This anthology is an indispensable treasure for readers keen on delving into the depths of detective fiction, offering a unique lens through which the evolution of the genre can be appreciated. It stands as an educational journey, a source of entertainment, and a testament to the enduring appeal of the detective story. Readers are encouraged to immerse themselves in this comprehensive collection, not only for its historical and literary value but also for the engaging dialogue it fosters between the epochal works of these master storytellers.
Crimson Snow
Author: Martin Edwards
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1464206767
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 274
Book Description
Mystery crime fiction written in the Golden Age of Murder "Edwards's second winter-themed anthology in the British Library Crime Classics series is a standout. As in the most successful of such volumes, the editor's expertise results in a selection of unusual suspects, expanding readers' knowledge." —Publishers Weekly STARRED review Crimson Snow brings together a dozen vintage crime stories set in winter. Welcome to a world of Father Christmases behaving oddly, a famous fictional detective in a Yuletide drama, mysterious tracks in the snow, and some very unpleasant carol singers. There's no denying that the supposed season of goodwill is a time of year that lends itself to detective fiction. On a cold night, it's tempting to curl up by the fireside with a good mystery. And more than that, claustrophobic house parties, with people cooped up with long-estranged relatives, can provide plenty of motives for murder. Including forgotten stories by major writers such as Margery Allingham, as well as classic tales by less familiar crime novelists, each story in this selection is introduced by the leading expert on classic crime, Martin Edwards. The resulting volume is an entertaining and atmospheric compendium of wintry delights.
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1464206767
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 274
Book Description
Mystery crime fiction written in the Golden Age of Murder "Edwards's second winter-themed anthology in the British Library Crime Classics series is a standout. As in the most successful of such volumes, the editor's expertise results in a selection of unusual suspects, expanding readers' knowledge." —Publishers Weekly STARRED review Crimson Snow brings together a dozen vintage crime stories set in winter. Welcome to a world of Father Christmases behaving oddly, a famous fictional detective in a Yuletide drama, mysterious tracks in the snow, and some very unpleasant carol singers. There's no denying that the supposed season of goodwill is a time of year that lends itself to detective fiction. On a cold night, it's tempting to curl up by the fireside with a good mystery. And more than that, claustrophobic house parties, with people cooped up with long-estranged relatives, can provide plenty of motives for murder. Including forgotten stories by major writers such as Margery Allingham, as well as classic tales by less familiar crime novelists, each story in this selection is introduced by the leading expert on classic crime, Martin Edwards. The resulting volume is an entertaining and atmospheric compendium of wintry delights.
Silent Nights
Author: Martin Edwards
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1464205000
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 647
Book Description
Mystery crime fiction written in the Golden Age of Murder "Like an assortment of presents under a Christmas tree, there's something for everyone in this Yule-themed reprint anthology in the British Library Crime Classics series from Edwards." —Publishers Weekly Christmas is a mysterious, as well as magical, time of year. Strange things can happen, and this helps to explain the hallowed tradition of telling ghost stories around the fireside as the year draws to a close. Christmas tales of crime and detection have a similar appeal. When television becomes tiresome, and party games pall, the prospect of curling up in the warm with a good mystery is enticing—and much better for the digestion than yet another helping of plum pudding. Crime writers are just as susceptible as readers to the countless attractions of Christmas. Over the years, many distinguished practitioners of the genre have given one or more of their stories a Yuletide setting. The most memorable Christmas mysteries blend a lively storyline with an atmospheric evocation of the season. Getting the mixture right is much harder than it looks. This book introduces of readers to some of the finest Christmas detective stories of the past. Martin Edwards' selection blends festive pieces from much-loved authors with one or two stories which are likely to be unfamiliar even to diehard mystery fans. The result is a collection of crime fiction to savor, whatever the season.
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1464205000
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 647
Book Description
Mystery crime fiction written in the Golden Age of Murder "Like an assortment of presents under a Christmas tree, there's something for everyone in this Yule-themed reprint anthology in the British Library Crime Classics series from Edwards." —Publishers Weekly Christmas is a mysterious, as well as magical, time of year. Strange things can happen, and this helps to explain the hallowed tradition of telling ghost stories around the fireside as the year draws to a close. Christmas tales of crime and detection have a similar appeal. When television becomes tiresome, and party games pall, the prospect of curling up in the warm with a good mystery is enticing—and much better for the digestion than yet another helping of plum pudding. Crime writers are just as susceptible as readers to the countless attractions of Christmas. Over the years, many distinguished practitioners of the genre have given one or more of their stories a Yuletide setting. The most memorable Christmas mysteries blend a lively storyline with an atmospheric evocation of the season. Getting the mixture right is much harder than it looks. This book introduces of readers to some of the finest Christmas detective stories of the past. Martin Edwards' selection blends festive pieces from much-loved authors with one or two stories which are likely to be unfamiliar even to diehard mystery fans. The result is a collection of crime fiction to savor, whatever the season.
Blood on the Tracks
Author: Martin Edwards
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1464209707
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
Discover the captivating treasures buried in the British Library's archives. Largely inaccessible to the public until now, these enduring classics were written in the golden age of detective fiction. "This is the perfect volume for fans of short, high-quality, fair-play detective fiction." —Publishers Weekly "Never had I been given a tougher problem to solve, and never had I been so utterly at my wits' end for a solution." A signalman is found dead by a railway tunnel. A man identifies his wife as a victim of murder on the underground. Two passengers mysteriously disappear between stations, leaving behind a dead body. Trains have been a favourite setting of many crime writers, providing the mobile equivalent of the "locked-room" scenario. Their enclosed carriages with a limited number of suspects lend themselves to seemingly impossible crimes. In an era of cancellations and delays, alibis reliant upon a timely train service no longer ring true, yet the railway detective has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in the twenty-first century. Both train buffs and crime fans will delight in this selection of fifteen railway-themed classic mysteries, featuring some of the most popular authors of their day alongside less familiar names. This is a classic short story collection to beguile even the most wearisome commuter. These fascinating mystery stories are: For fans of Agatha Christie and Anthony Horowitz Perfect for readers of Classic Crime Fiction and Golden-Age Murder Mysteries Also in the British Library Crime Classics: Smallbone Deceased The Body in the Dumb River Blood on the Tracks Surfeit of Suspects Death Has Deep Roots Checkmate to Murder
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1464209707
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
Discover the captivating treasures buried in the British Library's archives. Largely inaccessible to the public until now, these enduring classics were written in the golden age of detective fiction. "This is the perfect volume for fans of short, high-quality, fair-play detective fiction." —Publishers Weekly "Never had I been given a tougher problem to solve, and never had I been so utterly at my wits' end for a solution." A signalman is found dead by a railway tunnel. A man identifies his wife as a victim of murder on the underground. Two passengers mysteriously disappear between stations, leaving behind a dead body. Trains have been a favourite setting of many crime writers, providing the mobile equivalent of the "locked-room" scenario. Their enclosed carriages with a limited number of suspects lend themselves to seemingly impossible crimes. In an era of cancellations and delays, alibis reliant upon a timely train service no longer ring true, yet the railway detective has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in the twenty-first century. Both train buffs and crime fans will delight in this selection of fifteen railway-themed classic mysteries, featuring some of the most popular authors of their day alongside less familiar names. This is a classic short story collection to beguile even the most wearisome commuter. These fascinating mystery stories are: For fans of Agatha Christie and Anthony Horowitz Perfect for readers of Classic Crime Fiction and Golden-Age Murder Mysteries Also in the British Library Crime Classics: Smallbone Deceased The Body in the Dumb River Blood on the Tracks Surfeit of Suspects Death Has Deep Roots Checkmate to Murder
Murder by the Book
Author: Martin Edwards
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1728261171
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 217
Book Description
With Martin Edwards as librarian and guide, delve into an irresistible stack of bibliomysteries, where "golden age–inspired puzzle masters [are] doing what they do best: bringing together readers, books, and felonies [in] perhaps the single best collection yet in this blue-chip series (Kirkus Reviews)." There is no better hiding place for clues—or red herrings—than inside the pages of a book. But in this world of resentful ghost writers, indiscreet playwrights, and unscrupulous book collectors, literary prowess is often a prologue to disaster. Readers should be warned that the most riveting tales often conceal the deadliest of secrets. Featuring much-loved Golden Age detectives Nigel Strangeways, Philip Trent, Detective Chief Inspector Roderick Alleyn, and others, a bookish puzzle threatens an eagerly awaited inheritance; a submission to a publisher recounts a murder that seems increasingly to be a work of nonfiction; an irate novelist puts a grisly end to the source of his writer's block.
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1728261171
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 217
Book Description
With Martin Edwards as librarian and guide, delve into an irresistible stack of bibliomysteries, where "golden age–inspired puzzle masters [are] doing what they do best: bringing together readers, books, and felonies [in] perhaps the single best collection yet in this blue-chip series (Kirkus Reviews)." There is no better hiding place for clues—or red herrings—than inside the pages of a book. But in this world of resentful ghost writers, indiscreet playwrights, and unscrupulous book collectors, literary prowess is often a prologue to disaster. Readers should be warned that the most riveting tales often conceal the deadliest of secrets. Featuring much-loved Golden Age detectives Nigel Strangeways, Philip Trent, Detective Chief Inspector Roderick Alleyn, and others, a bookish puzzle threatens an eagerly awaited inheritance; a submission to a publisher recounts a murder that seems increasingly to be a work of nonfiction; an irate novelist puts a grisly end to the source of his writer's block.