Indeed, he read very little except detective stories, which he devoured at a rate of one a day. Ronald Knox, The Motive
The British Library Crime Classics anthologies are always something to look forward to. The latest collection of 14 short stories gives us detectives and criminals who, using a variety of scientific disciplines, solve…or try to get away with…murder. The authors as always vary. Well known authors include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Dorothy Sayers. But …
Continue reading The Measure Of Malice: Scientific Mysteries edited by Martin Edwards
During a blackout in November 1945, Bruce Mallaig sits alone on a bench in London’s Regent’s Park, and is soon the observer of a series of perculiar and frightening events. He hears someone on a nearby bridge and then hears them climbing over the railings to hide underneath. Moments later, another man walks onto the …
Continue reading Murder By Matchlight by E. R. C. Lorac Introduction by Martin Edwards
For years after the war Victoria Lamartine sought Major Eric Thoseby, whom she had known while both worked as part of the French Resistance. Now she stands accused of his murder. Means – he was stabbed through the heart using a technique employed by members of the Resistance, and the knife carries her prints. Motive …
Continue reading Death Has Deep Roots by Michael Gilbert introduction by Martin Edwards
The London legal firm of Horniman, Birley, and Craine needs to find Marcus Smallbone in order to clear up some legal matters following the death of Abel Horniman, one of the firm’s partners. But when they do find him, it is in their own offices, and he is stuffed into the hermetically-sealed deed box for …
This is the twelfth British Library Crime Classics anthology published, and the third collection set in winter. More specifically, this collection of short stories all occur around, or reference the Christmas season. Eleven tales involving murder, theft, and even a Christmas ghost! This is a great collection of stories, that I thoroughly enjoyed. Edward Martin’s …
Continue reading The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories – Edited by Martin Edwards
Jim Henderson is at quite a loose end when he receives an invitation from Edwin Carson to Thrackley for a weekend party. While having no recollection of this gentleman, Jim does know a free weekend is nothing to scoff at. Rounding out the guest list are Jim’s friend the Honourable Freddie Usher, siblings Marilyn and …