Paddington Mystery

The first crime novel by John Rhode, introducing Dr. Priestley, the genius detective who would appear in more than 70 bestselling crime novels during the Golden Age, is being released. Harold Merefield discovers a corpse on his bed, and Professor Priestley helps him investigate the matter. This Detective Club classic is introduced by crime writing historian Tony Medawar, who looks at how John Rhode became one of the best-selling and most popular British authors of the Golden Age.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 18 April 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

A remarkable reissue of John Rhode's groundbreaking debut crime novel, which introduces the brilliant detective Dr. Priestley, who would go on to appear in over 70 best-selling crime novels during the Golden Age.

Harold Merefield's homecoming to his home in the early hours of a winter morning from a festive little party at the renowned nightclub, the 'Naxos,' was met with a chilling discovery. On his bed lay a lifeless corpse, with no discernible clues to its identity or the cause of its demise. The inquest resulted in a verdict of 'Death from Natural Causes,' although there remained a lingering doubt. Determined to unravel the mystery, Harold sought the assistance of Professor Priestley, a brilliant mind known for his unique approach to logical reasoning. Through his meticulous investigation, Priestley shed light on a perplexing affair that turned out to be quite extraordinary.

This Detective Club classic, introduced by crime writing historian and expert Tony Medawar, delves into the remarkable journey of John Rhode, who also wrote under the pen names Miles Burton and Cecil Waye. Medawar explores how Rhode emerged as one of the most successful and beloved British authors of the Golden Age, captivating readers with his intricate plots and unforgettable characters.

This special reissue of John Rhode's debut crime novel is a must-read for fans of the genre, offering a glimpse into the origins of a literary legend and the timeless brilliance of Dr. Priestley.

Weight: 142g
Dimension: 193 x 124 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008333058