Stories of Crime & Detection Vol I: The Dr. Britling Stories

Volume One of James Ronald's Stories of Crime and Detection features three pulp fiction novelettes and one novel, featuring Police Surgeon turned amateur sleuth Daniel Britling. The collection includes "The Green Ghost Murder," "Too Many Motives," "Find The Lady," "Six Were to Die," and "Blind Man's Bluff."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 06 November 2023
Publisher: Moonstone Press

Volume One of James Ronald's Stories of Crime and Detection is a collection of three pulp fiction novelettes and one novel, featuring the character of Police Surgeon turned amateur sleuth Daniel Britling. The book follows the tradition of Golden Age Detective Fiction sleuths, showcasing the unassuming but sharp-minded Police Surgeon. This collection marks the first ever gathering of Daniel Britling stories, originally published between 1930 and 1932.

The Green Ghost Murder:

In this novelette, Daniel Britling and his twin sister Eunice travel to Mersey for a recuperative break. However, their peaceful vacation is disrupted when the Green Ghost of Heaton Forest, a local legend, returns to haunt the local inhabitants. Britling must find a murderer before the Green Ghost strikes again.

Too Many Motives:

Mark Savile celebrates his 54th birthday by inviting four men who hate him to dine at his home. He goads them until one of them punches him. An hour later, Savile is found dead. This story is included in Robert Adey's Locked Room Murders and Other Impossible Crimes (1979).

Find the Lady:

When impulsive Lady Frances Dorian disappears from the Royal Lancaster Hotel in Brighton without being seen leaving, Daniel Britling agrees to do some private sleuthing. He must unravel the mystery behind her disappearance and find the truth behind her sudden disappearance.

Six Were to Die:

Seven financiers indulge in illegal practices and are about to be caught by the police. To save themselves, they put all the blame on one member of their party, who goes to prison for a long term. When he comes out, his plans for revenge are signaled to each man in advance.

Blind Man's Bluff:

This is a short story included in the collection. It follows the story of a blind man who is accused of a crime he did not commit. Britling must use his sharp senses and detective skills to clear his name and prove his innocence.

Overall, Volume One of James Ronald's Stories of Crime and Detection offers a thrilling and suspenseful journey into the world of amateur sleuthing. The characters, including Daniel Britling, are well-developed, and the stories are filled with mystery, intrigue, and suspense. This collection is a must-read for fans of Golden Age Detective Fiction and anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781899000661