';You told me a lot of things,' said James grimly. ';Most of them weren't true.'James Elliott, lost in a fog, comes upon a lonely house in the English countryside. The house shows no lights but the front door is ajar. He enters in search of a telephone but instead finds a girl whose white face, eyes wide in a stare of horror and mouth open as if to scream. But instead of screaming, she yells ';run!' At that moment there is the sound of a shot and James feels the wind of a bullet as it goes past. Though he rescues the girl, she cannot or will not tell him quite where the danger liesIs the girl's name Aspidistra Aspinall, as she originally claims? Or perhaps it's Sally West, as she later styles herself, when revealing that bestselling author Ambrose Sylvester may have passed off a dead man's work as his own. The girl's fear is real enough, and for good reason someone is playing for high stakes, and another corpse has been left to prove it. But will James himself turn out to be the intended victim?Run! was originally published in 1938. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.';When I pick up a book by Patricia Wentworth I think, now to enjoy myself and I always do.' Mary Dell, Daily Mirror
Ice is still. Death is still. But no living flesh should be as still as thisAgent Stephen Enderby, known in Russia as Red Stefan, meets Elizabeth Radin, the lovely widow of a Soviet inventor, just at the moment she is about to throw herself into a river in despair. The Communists have been persecuting her in order to obtain the vital formula her husband devised just before his execution. Stephen prevents her from committing suicide, takes her away with him and tries to escort her out of the country, posing as his wife. But Elizabeth has not told Stephen her deadly secretRed Stefan was originally published in 1935. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.';When I pick up a book by Patricia Wentworth I think, now to enjoy myself and I always do.' Mary Dell, Daily Mirror
';Do you want to make 500 pounds? If you do and are willing to earn it, write to...'So reads the handbill thrust on Car Fairfax. He is literally down and out, for the soles of his shoes had gone long ago and the uppers show a crack which mean doom to his hopes of a job. And he has just met Isobel: Isobel whom he had not seen for three long, weary years.But Car's road back to fortune is beset by mystifying experiences involving his cousin Anna; a precise gentleman in neat clothes and pince-nez; and a job whose sole duties apparently consist of dining in a fashionable restaurant. And then he is caught in a web which leads to the unravelling of the mystery surrounding his cousin Anna and finally to danger which threatens both Isobel and himselfBeggar's Choice was originally published in 1930. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.';When I pick up a book by Patricia Wentworth I think, now to enjoy myself and I always do.' Mary Dell, Daily Mirror
';I went down to the pool, and he was lying half in and half out of it with his head bleeding and the tide coming in. The water was up to his shoulders.'The marriage between Nan Forsyth and Jervis Weare is a purely business arrangement to Jervis. But for Nan there is true romance behind it a romance which began for her in childhood days and she is content to be considered for the time a scheming adventuress. But, as she soon discovers, both she and Jervis are now the targets of a golden-haired devil and her villainous partner who'll stop at nothing in this story of lively and profound thrills.Nothing Venture was originally published in 1932. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.';When I pick up a book by Patricia Wentworth I think, now to enjoy myself and I always do.' Mary Dell, Daily Mirror
';How would you like to die for your country?' asked Benbow Smith languidly.Now that Marian has broken their engagement, Lindsay Trevor finds danger welcome, even though it means dyeing his hair red and impersonating his cousin Froth as Restow's secretary.Who is this Restow, huge, good-natured is he fabulously rich or desperately poor? Is he the mysterious Vulture, that master of deceit and manipulation? And there is Restow's wife, the big, tempestuous snake-charmer Gloria; Dalton, the lean, black, spider-like librarian, and Elsie Manning, Froth's friend, who is afraid of what? When Marian comes back into his life most unexpectedly, Lindsay enters a desperate struggle against the Vulture, with Marian's life at stake.Danger Calling was originally published in 1931, and was the second novel to feature the series character of Benbow Smith. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.';When I pick up a book by Patricia Wentworth I think, now to enjoy myself and I always do.' Mary Dell, Daily Mirror
';You talk of him as if he were alive.'';He is alive,' said Benbow Smith.';And you think he would do murder?'';I am quite sure that he would do murder, Captain Loddon.'Rose Anne disappeared on the eve of her wedding to Captain Oliver Loddon. Her fianc received a letter posted from Paris saying she was sorry but there was someone else.To the police it is quite simple. But Oliver can't believe Rose Anne capable of such a cruel act, and then discovers that her note carries quite another message. Benbow Smith is brought in to investigate, and we learn the young woman's disappearance is connected to an escaped and dangerous criminal and Rose Anne isn't the only one who's recently gone missingDown Under was originally published in 1937, and was the fourth and last novel to feature the series character Benbow Smith. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.';When I pick up a book by Patricia Wentworth I think, now to enjoy myself and I always do.' Mary Dell, Daily Mirror
The body of John Cornell the well-known London Merchant and banker, was exhumed early this morning with great secrecy, following representations made to the Home Office.Everyone was astonished when the beautiful Josephine Rivron rejected the young, popular and handsome Frank Cornell, and married his elderly, wealthy father John instead. When John fell ill and died shortly after marrying, there were suspicions that the cause wasn't pneumonia, but a nasty case of poisoning. Then Frank Cornell too was dead - shot through the head, the weapon vanished. This time no one had any doubt it was murder.Amateur sleuth Algernon Vereker is drawn to the case by a recurring bout of his "e;old detective fever"e;. He packs his Colt automatic and joins Inspector Heather down at Marston Manor to investigate. The Ginger Cat Mystery (1935 - originally titled Murder at Marston Manor in the USA) is a classic country house whodunit stuffed with suspects, clues, red herrings and dark deeds. Not to mention the eponymous feline, whose tell-tale fur might just help to hang a murderer. This new edition, the first in over seventy years, features an introduction by Curtis Evans. 'Mr Forsythe has contrived an ingenious tale.' The Times
"e;Owing to the sudden death of Miss Charmian Karslake this theatre is closed until further notice. Money for tickets already booked will be refunded."e;Who killed Charmian Karslake, the famous American actress, on the night of the ball at Hepton Abbey? Who was the mysterious Peter Hailsham who had been present at the ball and had since vanished into thin air? What was his connection, if any, with the respectable County family of Penn-Moreton at whose house the murder had taken place?How Inspector Stoddart and his assistant Harbord solve these questions, and the surprising discoveries they make in the course of their investigations, form the basis for one of their most devilish mysteries.Who Killed Charmian Karslake? is the third of Annie Haynes' Inspector Stoddart Mysteries. First published in 1929, it was out of print for over 80 years until this new edition, which also features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans."e;A model detective story...a good mental exercise for the distracted reader who has just received his Super-Tax Demand. (The publishers) have again produced a good book."e; London Mercury
"e;Early this morning a gruesome discovery was made by a gardener employed at Holford Hall in Loamshire..."e;Robert Saunderson's murdered body is found in the summer house at Lord Medchester's country mansion. Some crystal beads, broken off a necklace and found on the scene, form the primary clue. But where is the necklace, and whose could it be?Detective inspector Stoddart and his assistant Harbord have to unravel a mystery that cost two men their lives and destroyed the reputation of others.The Crystal Beads Murder, first published in 1930, was the last of the Inspector Stoddart mysteries, and Annie Haynes' final book overall. She died, after a long illness, before completing it and it was finished by an unknown friend and fellow writer. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans."e;An uncommonly well-constructed tale...throughout the reader is kept continually on the 'qui vive'"e; Western Australian
The note left beside Dr. John Bastow's corpse simply read: "e;It was the man with the dark beard."e;Dr. Bastow hadn't approved of his daughter Hilary's fiance. So when Hilary's father is found shot dead inside his own office, the door-key turned from the inside, the fiance Basil Wilton becomes a chief suspect for Scotland Yard. Yet how could the crime have been engineered?Now an important lacquered box is missing; a former colleague of Bastow's has suddenly shaved his beard; and the doctor's ex-secretary has come mysteriously into money. Before Inspector Stoddart of the Yard can form conclusions, another murder takes place, again credited to the "e;Man with The Dark Beard"e;...The Man With the Dark Beard is the first of Annie Haynes' Inspector Stoddart mysteries, originally published in 1928. It is a sparkling lost classic from the early golden age of crime fiction."e;Miss Haynes, I think, improves steadily - this is the best detective story she has yet written."e; Time and Tide
The body lay face downwards in a foot of water at the bottom of the ditch. Up to the present it has not been identified. But a card was found in the pocket with the name of -The grisly discovery was overshadowed in the public imagination by Derby Day, the most prestigious event in the English horse-racing calendar. But Peep o' Day, the popular favourite for the Derby and owned by the murdered man, won't run now. Under Derby rules, the death means automatic disqualification.Did someone find an ingenious if ruthless way to stop the horse from competing? Or does the solution to the demise of Sir John Burslem lie away from the racetrack? The thoughtful Inspector Stoddart starts to investigate in a crowded field of sinister suspects and puzzling diversions.The Crime at Tattenham Corner was the second of the four Inspector Stoddart mysteries, first published in 1928. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans."e;We not only encounter thrilling surprises but are introduced to many admirably life-like characters. Miss Haynes is here at her best. Excellent as a detective tale, the book is also a charming novel."e; Spectator
Description "e;He is dead. It is quite impossible that he should have killed himself. He has been murdered. About half an hour ago. By a long knife passed under the left shoulder-blade into the heart."e;On a fog-bound London night, a soiree is taking place in the studio of artist Laurence Newtree. The guests include an eminent psychiatrist, a wealthy philanthropist and an observant young friend of Newtree's, John Christmas. Before the evening is over, Newtree's neighbour is found stabbed to death in what appears to be an impossible crime. But a mysterious man in a fez has been spotted in the fog asking for highly unlikely directions...The resourceful John Christmas takes on the case, unofficially, leading to an ingenious solution no one could have expected, least of all Inspector Hembrow of Scotland Yard.The Studio Crime is the first of Ianthe Jerrold's classic whodunit novels, originally published in 1929. Its impact led to her membership of the elite Detection Club, and its influence can be felt on later works by John Dickson Carr, Ngaio Marsh and Dorothy L. Sayers among others.This edition, the first in over eighty years, features a new introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.Praise for The Studio Crime"e;The best out of a new batch of detective stories."e; J.B. Priestley in The Evening News"e;Very carefully constructed, is very well written, and keeps its secret until the end."e; The Morning Post"e;Can be most heartily recommended to those who like a good mystery story written in good English."e; Newcastle Chronicle"e;The book is a pleasantly written record of an admirable piece of detective work."e; Times Literary Supplement
Grayson tipped back his head, and stared at the ceiling. Herby was certainly not liked, but who on earth, apart from himself, hated him sufficiently to think of murder?As he waits for the Norfolk-bound train to steam from its London terminus, Brother Ignatius experiences a strange premonition. Quite suddenly he knows that a man on the platform will shortly come to join him in his compartment and that their lives will become inextricably linked. Together they travel to Norfolk, and within hours the stranger comes under suspicion of murder.Superintendent Knollis arrives from Scotland Yard to investigate. Knollis soon finds that local loyalties are strewing his path with thorns and that, under the seal of Confession, Brother Ignatius cannot tell all he knows. It is a problem that calls for psychological as well as deductive reasoningand Inspector Knollis, supported by the trusty Sergeant Ellis, is on the case!Darkling Death was originally published in 1956. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.';Francis Vivian skips all tedious preliminaries and is commendably quick off the mark; we meet his characters with lively pleasure.' Observer';Mr. Vivian neatly fits everything in its place.' Times Literary Supplement
';Where are you going?' asked Knollis, as Brother Ignatius pushed back his chair.';To try to prevent a murder.'Roger Cartland was a successful and respected business man in Burnham. So all the citizens believeuntil his poisoned body is found late one night in the wreckage of his car, and it becomes a case of murder. It is only after Knollis starts his investigations that the startled authorities find that Cartland was not the honest jeweller his advertisements so loudly proclaimed him to be.When a dash of Brother IgnatiusKnollis's eccentric friendis added to the story, Vivian followers will know that the resulting mixture is sure to be exhilarating. Expert characterisation, tense and analytical detection and a steady stream of surprises, all make this a first-class mystery.The Ladies of Locksley was originally published in 1953. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.';Francis Vivian skips all tedious preliminaries and is commendably quick off the mark; we meet his characters with lively pleasure.' Observer';Mr. Vivian neatly fits everything in its place.' Times Literary Supplement
';He's dead all right. Taken him clean through the heart. It's murder, Rose!'Michael Maddison, the host of the Fox Inn, is hellbent on preventing his sister and niece from marryinga difficult task when both ladies are being ardently courted in the district. When one of the suitors, expert archer Harry Saunders, finds two of his lethal arrows missing, it seems Maddison is in deadly earnestyet it is the latter who is found murdered, two green-and-white fletched arrows sticking out of his ribs.Inspector Knollis is back on cracking form in this, his seventh mystery. A tale of archery and assasination in which Knollis must pull from his own quiver the solution lest the mysterious Bowman strike again . . .The Elusive Bowman was originally published in 1951. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.';Mr. Vivian keeps his story as taut as the string on his elusive murderer's bow.' Liverpool Evening Express';Francis Vivian skips all tedious preliminaries and is commendably quick off the mark; we meet his characters with lively pleasure.' Observer
Madeleine Burke is prepared to swear that she was Dr. Challoner's last patient on Tuesday evening, and that he was alive and in good spirits when she bade him good night.While holidaying in Algiers, Hugh Challoner encounters the lightning-sketch artist Aubrey Highton. Highton is desirous of finding a job back in England, and Challoner agrees to helpbut then his enigmatic new friend disappears.Back in England, Dr. Challoner is strangled in his own surgery, and it is discovered that Highton is one of the last to have seen the slain man alive. Who exactly is Highton, other than a former Foreign Legionnaire? And why was a drawing of a laughing dog left in the diary just beforeor just afterthe unfortunate doctor's demise?The Laughing Dog was originally published in 1949. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.';The author's pen has struck the gold with this one.' The Writer';The reputation of detective and author are maintained in a swiftly moving story.' Sheffield Telegraph';A detective story with a clever plot, good construction, and fine writing is a thing to welcome at all times. Mr. Vivian's latest adventure of Inspector Knollis is very good indeed.' Edinburgh Evening News
';Of course, it's rotten having a murder in the village, and especially in what was once my own house, but I'm not sorry that he's gone.'Inspector Gordon Knollis heads from Scotland Yard to the village of Bowland, investigating what initially appears a trivial mystery. Mrs. Frederick Manchester's life centres on her husband and her two pets. Entering her boudoir after breakfast on Sunday morning, she finds her budgerigar lying dead, its neck broken, a blue silken cord tied loosely round it. On the Monday, in the cactus house, she finds her cat lying amongst the plants. A blue silken cord is looped round its neckwhich is broken.But Knollis soon sees the case as far from trivial, an opinion confirmed when the partly-decapitated body of Fred Manchester is found in the Green Alley early on the Tuesday eveningwith a blue silken cord crushed into his outside breast-pocket.Knollis goes to work in his own determined way. There are many difficulties, and many setbacks, but he presses on in spite of them all, eventually solving the grim joke that lies behind the mystery of the three cords.The Threefold Cord was originally published in 1947. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.';Francis Vivian skips all tedious preliminaries and is commendably quick off the mark; we meet his characters with lively pleasure.' Observer';Mr. Vivian neatly fits everything in its place.' Times Literary Supplement
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