Cat O' Nine Tales

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This collection features twelve irresistibly plotted short stories by a master storyteller, complete with thirteen charming illustrations by Ronald Searle. Some tales draw inspiration from the author's two years in prison, such as a company chairman's attempt to poison his wife during a St. Petersburg trip, leading to unexpected consequences. "The Red King" tells of a con man who learns an English lord needs one more chess piece to complete a valuable set. In "The Commissioner," a Bombay con artist ends up in the morgue after using the police chief as bait in his scam. "The Perfect Murder" reveals how a convict orchestrates the demise of an old enemy while incarcerated, framing two prison officers as his alibi. "Charity Begins at Home" follows an accountant who, feeling unaccomplished, seeks to amass a fortune before retirement. Archer's favorite, "In the Eye of the Beholder," explores the romance between a handsome athlete and a three-hundred-pound woman who is the ninth-richest in Italy. Known for topping international bestseller lists across genres, the author delivers a collection that is witty, poignant, sad, surprising, and unforgettable.