Subject
Police -- England -- London -- Fiction Books
Best books
Anthony Berkeley
The poisoned chocolates case
"The Poisoned Chocolates Case" by Anthony Berkeley is a detective novel published in 1929. When a box of poisoned chocolates kills an innocent woman instead of its intended victim, Scotland Yard reaches a dead end. Six members of the Crimes Circle, a group of armchair detectives, each propose completely different solutions to the mystery. Using varying methods of detection, they identify different suspects and motives. This Golden Age whodunit keeps readers guessing through multiple plausible explanations until the final revelation of the true perpetrator.
George Dilnot
The lazy detective
"The Lazy Detective" by George Dilnot is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Divisional Detective Inspector Harry Labar, whose idleness earns him the reputation of being lazy among his peers at Scotland Yard. He gets embroiled in a complex case involving a high-profile jewel heist linked to the enigmatic crime organizer Larry Hughes, while also navigating the complications of his own lethargy and the pressures from his superiors. At the start of the novel, Inspector Labar faces discontent from his Chief Constable regarding the rising crime rates in his division. Labar's tenuous position is further complicated when he receives an unexpected bribe in the form of a hundred-pound note handed to him by a mysterious woman in a car. As he begins to investigate the recent burglary at the residence of millionaire Solly Gertstein, it becomes evident that he is dealing with skilled criminals. The narrative introduces suspenseful elements, including potential connections to Hughes and his dubious associates, and hints at a deeper personal entanglement involving Labar and Miss Penelope Noelson, Gertstein’s companion, as they all navigate the disconcerting world of crime and deception.
Edgar Wallace
The dark eyes of London
"The Dark Eyes of London" by Edgar Wallace is a mystery novel written in the late 1920s. The story centers around Inspector Larry Holt, who is drawn into a complex investigation linked to a series of murders and the leaking of secrets. The sinister backdrop includes a gang known as the "blind giants" and features characters like Flash Fred, a gambler with dubious connections, and hints of a woman who could play a critical role in the unfolding mystery. The opening of the novel sets the stage for a thrilling tale, as Inspector Larry Holt finds himself in Paris, enjoying a reprieve from his duties when he receives urgent news about the suspicious drowning of a wealthy Canadian named Gordon Stuart. As Holt prepares to return to London, he encounters the enigmatic Flash Fred, who has his own entanglements with the law. After arriving back in London, Holt begins to delve into the case, learning about Stuart's mysterious past and connections to a small village, while also forming a partnership with a competent secretary, Diana Ward. The story quickly escalates into a web of intrigue, highlighting unseen dangers and the pursuit of truth in a murky underworld rife with danger and betrayal.
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