Crimes of Cymru: Classic Mystery Tales of Wales

A new anthology of mystery and murder stories set in Wales, featuring beloved Welsh authors and lesser-known writers, celebrates the country's landscapes and locales.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2023
Publisher: British Library Publishing

“Ahoy, my lad!” he bellowed back. “I didn’t expect you so early. Come for a dip! The waters fine. Everything is—”

Then it happened. Mystery and murder runs amok amidst ominous peaks and icy lakes. In hushed valleys, venom flows through villages harbouring grievances which span generations. The landscapes and locales of Wales (“Cymru”, in the Welsh language) have fired the imagination of some of the greatest writers in the field of crime and mystery fiction.

Presenting fourteen stories from ranging from the 1909 through to the 1980s, this new anthology celebrates a selection of beloved Welsh authors such as Cardiff’s Roald Dahl and Abergavenny’s Ethel Lina White, as well as lesser-known yet highly skilled writers such as Cledwyn Hughes and Jack Griffith. Alongside these home-grown tales, this collection also includes a handful of gems inspired by, or set in, the cities and wilds of Wales by treasured authors with an affinity for the country, such as Christianna Brand, Ianthe Jerrold, and Michael Gilbert.

The stories in this anthology are diverse and captivating, ranging from the whimsical and mysterious to the dark and suspenseful. Some are set in the bustling cities of Cardiff and Swansea, while others take place in the remote and picturesque countryside of Wales. Each story is carefully crafted and filled with vivid descriptions, intricate characters, and unexpected twists and turns.

One of the standout stories in the anthology is “The Man Who Liked Dickens”, by Roald Dahl. This story follows a young man named David, who is obsessed with Charles Dickens and his novels. When he discovers that a rare edition of one of Dickens’s most famous works has been stolen from a local library, he sets out to find the thief and recover the book. Along the way, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including a mysterious woman named Mrs. Dalloway and a shady landlord named Mr. Bumble.

Another notable story is “The Green Man”, by Ethel Lina White. This story takes place in a small village in Wales and follows the residents as they deal with the aftermath of a mysterious death. The villagers are haunted by the idea that the death may be connected to a legendary creature known as the Green Man, who is said to live in the nearby forest. As they investigate the death, they discover that there are many secrets and lies hidden in the village, and that they may not be safe in their own homes.

“The Last Train to London”, by Cledwyn Hughes, is a thrilling and suspenseful story set in the aftermath of World War II. The story follows a group of survivors as they travel on a train from Wales to London, where they hope to find safety and a new beginning. However, as they travel through the countryside, they are pursued by a group of German soldiers who are determined to capture them. The story is filled with action, adventure, and heart-pounding moments, and it is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit.

“The Haunting of Hill House”, by Jack Griffith, is a classic ghost story that has been adapted for the modern age. The story follows a group of friends who rent a haunted house in the countryside of Wales for a weekend getaway. However, as they spend more time in the house, they begin to experience strange and unexplainable occurrences, including ghostly apparitions, strange noises, and a feeling of being watched. The story is filled with suspense, mystery, and horror, and it is a testament to Griffith’s skill as a writer.

“The Darkest Hour”, by Christianna Brand, is a dark and atmospheric story that takes place in the aftermath of a devastating flood in Wales. The story follows a group of survivors as they struggle to survive in the aftermath of the flood, and as they begin to uncover the secrets and lies that have been hidden in the town for generations. The story is filled with tension, suspense, and horror, and it is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

“The Girl in the Lake”, by Ianthe Jerrold, is a haunting and atmospheric story that takes place in the Welsh countryside. The story follows a young woman named Beth, who is visiting her family in the countryside for the first time in years. However, as she explores the nearby lake, she discovers that there is a dark and mysterious past hidden behind the serene and peaceful surface of the water. The story is filled with mystery, suspense, and horror, and it is a testament to Jerrold’s skill as a writer.

“The Last Train to Cardiff”, by Michael Gilbert, is a thrilling and suspenseful story set in the aftermath of World War II. The story follows a group of survivors as they travel on a train from Wales to Cardiff, where they hope to find safety and a new beginning. However, as they travel through the countryside, they are pursued by a group of German soldiers who are determined to capture them. The story is filled with action, adventure, and heart-pounding moments, and it is a testament to Gilbert’s skill as a writer.

In conclusion, this new anthology is a must-read for anyone who loves crime and mystery fiction, as well as anyone who is interested in the rich and fascinating history and culture of Wales. The stories in this collection are diverse and captivating, and they showcase the talent and skill of some of the greatest writers in the field. Whether you are a fan of Roald Dahl, Ethel Lina White, Cledwyn Hughes, Jack Griffith, Christianna Brand, Ianthe Jerrold, or Michael Gilbert, there is something in this anthology for you. So, grab a copy and settle in for a thrilling and suspenseful journey through the landscapes and locales of Wales.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 131 x 190 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780712354080