A dozen marvelous tales of deduction, featuring history's most famous detective, by Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Edward D. Hoch.In a heavily mortgaged country house, an heiress's sinister guardian attempts to trap her in a bedroom with a rare Indian swamp adder—a murder averted only by the timely intervention of Sherlock Holmes. Five months after the events of "The Adventure of the Speckled Band," Holmes and Watson are called back to Stoke Moran by a frightened traveler who claims that the viper has gotten loose again. Holmes is unsure which poses a greater danger: the rumored snake, or the possibility that the nomad is telling lies.In these dozen tales, short story master Edward D. Hoch resurrects the most brilliant mind in the history of detective fiction. In the style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Holmes tangles with circus tigers, Druidic curses, and a pair of Christmas killings. Here is the finest detective of the Victorian age—recreated by one of the greatest mystery writers of the twentieth century.

Review “Edward D. Hoch is capable of writing a truly classic short story.” —Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine“Satan himself would be proud of [Hoch’s] ingenuity.” —John Dickson Carr About the Author Edward D. Hoch (1930–2008) was a master of the mystery short story. Born in Rochester, New York, he sold his first story, "The Village of the Dead," to Famous Detective Stories, then one of the last remaining old-time pulps. The tale introduced Simon Ark, a two-thousand-year-old Coptic priest who became one of Hoch's many series characters. Others included small-town doctor Sam Hawthorne, police detective Captain Leopold, and Revolutionary War secret agent Alexander Swift. By rotating through his stable of characters, most of whom aged with time, Hoch was able to achieve extreme productivity, selling stories to Argosy, Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, and Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, which published a story of his in every issue from 1973 until his death.In all, Hoch wrote nearly one thousand short tales, making him one of the most prolific story writers of the twentieth century. He was awarded the 1968 Edgar Award for "The Oblong Room," and in 2001 became the first short story writer to be named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America.

Brand new from the bestselling author of THE HOUSE OF THE WITCH.A totally unmissable, spellbinding historical fiction novel.? Perfect for fans of Evie Woods, Philippa Gregory and Elena Collins. Now: When Paige returns to her ancestral family home, Woodham Hall, she’s nursing an unbearable heartbreak. The man she’d thought she loved has told her the most terrible lie, one she feels she’ll never recover from. The only thing that seems to be able to hold her interest is the story of a poisoning that once supposedly happened in the house – depicted in brutal detail in a painting by an unknown artist…1672: Jeanne’s life at Woodham Hall is happy. Admittedly her brother-in-law – the lord of the manor – is unfaithful to her sister, causing terrible discord in the house. But Jeanne adores her sister, and her niece, Helene, and even though her growing feelings for another member of the household are illicit, they are bringing her great joy. That is, until Sir Robert chooses to move his mistress in.Jeanne and her sister are to be banished to a French abbey to live out their days but all the sisters can think is how to get back to Helene, and the woman who Jeanne might just love. From the glittering court of the Sun King to the dark depths of French society and those who perform alchemy, they will do whatever they must. Even if it means murder…Their stories are linked across history, with an unforgettable love story, and mystery that must be solved.Readers love Clare Marchant:‘{::}Marchant’s usual magical blend of strong women, well-researched historical settings and riveting plotlines knocks another stellar novel out the park.’ Bestselling author, Jenni Keer on The Alchemist’s Secret‘I was completely hooked by this brilliant timeslip novel. Unmissable!’ Bestselling author, Louise Douglas‘A page turning historical novel that kept me guessing until the very end.’ Bestselling author, Rachel Burton‘I absolutely loved this book… Historical fiction at its best. I loved the two strong women bound by place and history. I read [it] in two sittings, it was hard to put down!’ Reader Review ?????‘Wow!!! I was totally hooked from the very first page… A real page turner!’ Reader Review ?????‘A wonderful timeslip novel, that reminds me of Barbara Erskine… Highly recommended.’ Reader Review ?????‘Captivating… [A] gripping story of courage, resilience, history, triumph, discovery and hard-fought freedom. I highly recommend it!’ Reader Review ?????‘Wonderful!… A totally absorbing tale, I read it in a day… I absolutely loved it.’ Reader Review ?????‘Amazing and fascinating… So atmospheric… So many brilliant twists, and breath-holding moments, I really struggled to put down this fantastic book!’ Reader Review ?????

"[A] superb . . . anthology of . . . short stories by British writers set in continental Europe. . . . Those unfamiliar. . . . will find this the perfect introduction." —Publishers Weekly, starred reviewDiscover the captivating treasures buried in the British Library's archives. Largely inaccessible to the public until now, these enduring crime classics were written in the golden age of detective fiction.A man is forbidden to uncover the secret of the tower in a fairy-tale castle by the Rhine. A headless corpse is found in a secret garden in Paris—belonging to the city's chief of police. And a drowned man is fished from the sea off the Italian Riviera, leaving the carabinieri to wonder why his socialite friends at the Villa Almirante are so unconcerned by his death.These are three of the scenarios in this new collection of vintage crime stories. Detective stories from the golden age and beyond have used European settings—cosmopolitan cities, rural idylls and crumbling chateaux—to explore timeless themes of revenge, deception, murder and haunting.Including lesser-known stories by Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, G. K. Chesterton, J. Jefferson Farjeon and other classic writers, this collection reveals many hidden gems of British crime."The field is so rich, in fact, that veteran editor Edwards can't have had much trouble in plucking these plums and near-plums--a feast for the equally nostalgic." —Kirkus Reviews"Fans of classic British crime fiction will appreciate this anthology, and the vivid locations should lure readers who enjoy atmospheric reads." —Library Journal

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, now streaming on Netflix, starring Essie Davis as the honourable Phryne FisherIt's 1928 in Melbourne and Phryne is asked to investigate the puzzling death of a famous author and illustrator of fairy stories. To do so, Phryne takes a job within the women's magazine that employed the victim and finds herself enmeshed in her colleagues' deceptions.But while Phryne is learning the ins and outs of magazine publishing first hand, her personal life is thrown into chaos. Impatient for her lover Lin Chung's imminent return from a silk-buying expedition to China, she instead receives an unusual summons from Lin Chung's family, followed by a series of mysterious assaults and warnings.

The classic British detective story that became the immortal Hitchcock film starring James Stewart—from the author of the Father Brown mysteries.Horne Fisher is a skilled detective who always finds his man, but every solution comes with a catch: Exposing the crime will make things worse. Fisher's greatest strength isn't his Holmesian ability to deduce, but his knowledge of the dirty secrets of the ruling class, how the rich and powerful manipulate the government and bend the law to their wills. In this collection, Fisher uses his special skill to get to the bottom of mysteries as diverse as the disappearance of a valuable coin, the framing of an Irish prince, and the death of his own uncle from a falling statue. The Man Who Knew Too Much is a shining example of author G. K. Chesterton's prodigious wit and prescient observation. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.

In a sea of bachelors, Penelope's dance card is a clue to murder.Dallas 1924In the wake of her husband's untimely demise, Penelope van Kessler is coerced into attending a lavish ball by her meddling mother. With their family's fortune teetering on the edge of extinction, Mother is determined to secure a wealthy match for her daughter. Whether she wants it or not.Dallas high society is crawling with eligible bachelors to save a family fortune. But when Penelope's dance partner, a national hero pilot, drops dead outside of the speakeasy, she ignores societal norms and sets out to discover whodunit.The pilot’s suspicious death sends shockwaves through Dallas and leaves the police department scratching their heads. Armed with her charm, infectious laughter, and a razor-sharp mind, Penelope ruffles feathers and attempts to solve the puzzling mystery from the shadows.Will Penelope convince the skeptical authorities to accept her aid before the killer vanishes? Or will her stubborn pursuit of justice jeopardize her loved ones and their precarious fortune?-----------------------------------------------Death by Flapper is the first installment in the Heist Society Investigates 1920s cozy mystery series.If you enjoy the glittering world of flappers, secret speakeasies, and glamourous deceit this jazz age whodunit is for you! Heist Society Investigates Series OrderBook 1: Death by FlapperBook 2: Death by FortuneBook 3: Death by MatchmakerBook 4: Death by RailwayBook 5: Death by MidnightBook 6: Death by MistletoeBook 7: Death by High SeasBook 8: Death by Jack-o'-LanternBook 9: Death by SouthpawBook 10: Death by Mummy