H. R. F. Keating Book order

Agatha Christie was not only the biggest selling writer of detective stories the world has ever known, she was also a mystery in herself, giving only the rarest interviews, declining absolutely to become any sort of public figure, and a mystery too in the manner in which she achieved her astonishing success. H R F Keating, a crime novelist and respected reviewer of crime fiction, brought together a dozen distinguished writers from both sides of the Atlantic to throw light on this double mystery. Some analyse the art itself; some explain the reasons for her success, not just the books, but also in film and theatre. The approaches are penetrating, affectionate, enthusiastic, analytical, funny - even critical. Together, they give an almost unique insight into the life and work of the First Lady of Crime.

Northmont, Connecticut, seemed to be haunted by ghosts, ghouls, and impossibilities, until Dr. Sam Hawthorne explained the seemingly impossible. All But Impossible contains fifteen of Dr. Sam's most extraordinary cases solved between 1936 and 1940, including A newly murdered corpse in a sealed tomb in a cemetery A body in a scarecrow A jug that turns water into wine -- poisoned wine A disappearance from a swimming pool A baby who becomes a child's doll on the way to being baptized An unfound door A room that appears and vanishes And eight other ingenious problems for Dr. Sam

In the rough, tough world where predatory young beauty queens compete fiercely for money, a murder is committed. Police Constable Peter Lassington is soon enmeshed in a complicated mystery - a mystery made more than usually exotic by the acreage of young feminine flesh that is continuously on show at the Star Bowl ballroom, rehearsing for the contest at which the St. Valentine prizes will be awarded. Lassington's superior, the officer in charge of the case, is Superintendent Ironside. Ironside - polite, sophisticated, devious - is somewhat sceptical about the charms of the young ladies: his thoughts roam forward to his imminent retirement. This detective novel is carefully plotted and firmly set in a world of bizarre values - values that do not appeal to Ironside, the most striking police detective to appear in fiction for some time. The naked competition of the adolescent beauty queens provides the background to a strange and exciting murder novel, with a surprise ending.

What had until recently been a police sergeant is now lying at Ghote's feet bleeding its last. An accident it may have been, but Ghote saw exactly what happened, and it's his duty to arrest the killer. Isn't it? Or can the inspector better serve his beloved police force by disposing of the body, by concealing a crime?

In the house of Lala Varde, a vast man of even greater influence, an attack has taken place. Varde's secretary, Mr Perfect, has been struck on his invaluable business head. And try as Inspector Ghote might to remain conscientious and methodical, his investigation is beset on all sides by cunning, disdain and corruption.

Some crooks have tried to snatch the plump son of a business tycoon, and have accidentally made off with his playmate instead. But they're not changing their plan: a payment is to be delivered to them or a small corpse is to be delivered to Inspector Ghote. But what kind of ransom can a mere tailor's boy demand?

The new anthology from the Crime Writers Association brings together 17 of the finest crime writers working today, celebrating the 'who' in the whodunnit, the psyche in the psychological profile, the id behind the ID. Featuring exclusive stories from Dagger winners, Robert Barnard and Peter Lovesey, and a Grand Master of Crime winner, Edward D Hoch, an exclusive translation from French legend Tonino Benacquista, and much more.'Sins of Scarlet' by Robert Barnard won the CWA Award for Best Short Story of 2006 and 'Les's Story' by Stuart Pawson was short-listed for the same award.

Set against the backdrop of London, Inspector Ganesh Ghote finds himself navigating a new environment filled with cultural challenges and unexpected mysteries. As he tackles a complex case, his unique perspective and investigative skills are put to the test. The story blends humor and intrigue, showcasing Ghote's adaptability and determination while exploring themes of identity and belonging in a foreign land.

Set apart from his renowned Inspector Ghote series, this work presents a unique detective story crafted in verse. Inspired by Vikram Seth's verse novel revival, the narrative unfolds through nearly 300 fourteen-line stanzas, blending mystery with poetic form. This innovative approach offers readers a fresh take on the genre, showcasing Keating's creativity and skill in intertwining rhythm with crime-solving.

This was no ordinary murder, for the victim was Frank Masters, millionaire and philanthropist. The case was bound to attract much public attention. But Inspector Ghote finds that his demands for evidence are met with nothing but lies and evasions.