These Egyptian hieroglyphics spell “murder.” “Classic, almost textbook, golden age detective fiction. The plotting is ingenious and fiendishly convoluted.” —Vintage Pop Fictions
In 1922, English anthropologist Howard Carter discovered the long-hidden tomb of King Tutankhamun, and the world went Egypt-crazy. Just a few years later, New York is not immune to the craze, and even Philo Vance, that eminent...

"In his last published adventure (released after the author's death), Philo Vance investigates suspicious goings-on at a country estate that houses both a crowd of guests and a priceless emerald collection"-- A murder in the mountains is the latest case for the Manhattan detective famed for his "highbrow manner and parade of encyclopedic learning" ( The New York Times ). Wealthy and worldly-wise detective Philo Vance has been asked to keep watch...

This tale of an actress’s dramatic demise, and a police detective trying to sniff out a killer, is “one of Ngaio Marsh's best yarns” (Kirkus Reviews).
Mary Bellamy is the sweetheart of the London stage—everyone simply adores darling Mary. So her fans and friends are heartbroken when somehow Mary manages to spritz herself not with her favorite perfume but with a deadly insecticide meant to be sprayed...

Inspector Henry Tibbett’s better half, wife Emmy, takes center stage in a WWII mystery. “The classical whodunnit remains safe in Miss Moyes’ hands.” —The Sun
To date, Emmy Tibbett has been something of a secondary character—a placid, pleasantly plump presence who serves mostly to make her detective-husband Henry all the more likeable. With Johnny, however, Emmy at last gets a turn in the spotlight,...

Ng'ombwana is a (fictional) African nation to have emerged in the wake of colonialism; as it happens, its President is Inspector Alleyn's old school chum, the "Boomer."

"A delicious and classic country-house mystery. Well, country-castle. The lord of the manor is Sir Henry Ancred, a celebrated Shakespearian actor (and pompous bore), who has arranged to have his portrait painted by none other than Agatha Troy, wife of Inspector Roderick Alleyn. She's rather glad to be stepping out of Alleyn's shadow, so much so that when Ancred is killed at his own birthday party, Troy at first tries sleuthing on her own. But she's...

Weddings can bring out the worst in people. . . . “For those who enjoy civilized mayhem, the charming Freers will be a welcome diversion.” —Kirkus Reviews
 
Against her better judgment, Virginia Freer has agreed to be a witness at an old friend’s second wedding―against her better judgment because the other witness is Felix, her sort-of-ex-husband. On the other hand, she...

A couple's been separated for six years-but it doesn't stop them from sleuthing together-in this British mystery by a CWA Lifetime Achievement Award winner.   Virginia Freer has had it with her sort-of-ex-husband's taste for drama. A shopkeeper who lived in Virginia's town has been murdered, and Felix Freer's neighbor in London, a sweet old bird, has too. The crimes took place miles apart. But look at the coincidences, Felix insists. That unpleasant...

Andrew Basnett had hoped to spend a peaceful holiday season in the country, but those plans are dashed when his widely disliked neighbor is blown up two days before Christmas.