Happy Anniversary, Crippen & Landru

February 25, 2024

When Jeff Marks asked if I’d like to help in the observation of Crippen & Landru’s 30th anniversary, I was on board. All I had to do was review one of the books they had published in the last thirty years. Here’s the background, according to...

Murder in the Basement by Anthony Berkeley

May 30, 2023

I’m usually enthusiastic about the British Library Crime Classics. Martin Edwards’ introductions to these books are invaluable. And, he does an excellent job providing the background for this mystery. But, once I was past Part I of Anthony Berkeley’s...

Murder by Matchlight by E.C.R. Lorac

January 30, 2023

Every once in a while, I pick up one of E.C.R. Lorac’s mysteries, and Martin Edwards’ introductions just add to the enjoyment. Murder By Matchlight is set in London during World War II. As Edwards’ says, it’s not only an intriguing mystery, but...

Murder By the Book, ed. by Martin Edwards

August 30, 2022

As with any collection of stories, some stand out more than others. However, with the various collections edited by Martin Edwards for British Library Crime Classics, I can always count on one thing. Edwards’ introductions will provide the needed background for...

Two-Way Murder by E.C.R. Lorac

July 13, 2022

Sometimes, Martin Edwards’ notes about a book for the British Library Crime Classics are almost as interesting as the mystery itself. According to his introduction, this novel in the Crime Classics series is published now for the first time. Evidently, Lorac...