This rediscovered masterpiece captures a chilling moment in the stifling early days of Communist Czechoslovakia. 1950s Prague is a city of numerous daily terrors, of political tyranny, corruption and surveillance. There is no way of knowing whether one’s neighbor is spying for the government, or what one’s supposed friend will say to a State Security agent under pressure. A loyal Party member might be imprisoned or executed as quickly as a traitor; innocence means nothing for a person caught in a government trap. When a little boy is murdered at the cinema, the ensuing investigation sheds a little too much light on the personal lives of the cinema’s female ushers, each of whom is hiding a dark secret of her own.

The first in a charming, evocative, and sharply plotted Victorian crime series starring a detective duo to rival Holmes and Watson. After her father dies, March Middleton has to move to London to live with her guardian, Sidney Grice, the country’s most famous private detective. It is 1882 and London is at its murkiest yet most vibrant, wealthiest yet most poverty-stricken. No sooner does March arrive than a case presents itself: a young woman has been brutally murdered, and her husband is the only suspect. The victim’s mother is convinced of her son-in-law’s innocence, and March is so touched by her pleas she offers to cover Sidney’s fee herself. The investigations lead the pair to the darkest alleys of the East End: every twist leads Sidney Grice to think his client is guilty; but March is convinced that he is innocent. Around them London reeks with the stench of poverty and gossip, the case threatens to boil over into civil unrest and Sidney Grice finds his reputation is not the only thing in mortal danger.

THE OBVIOUS CLUE - Ultimate Murder Mystery Collection stands as a monumental anthology that spans the breadth and depth of the mystery genre. Featuring a blend of works by legendary authors such as Charles Dickens and Agatha Christie, to pioneering figures like Anna Katharine Green and Edgar Allan Poe, this collection heralds the diversity and richness of narrative styles and plot complexities that have come to define the genre. Amidst its pages, readers will encounter a wide range of literary styles, from the detective story's early formation to its crystallization into a genre of its own, highlighting standout pieces that have influenced countless adaptations and have continued to captivate audiences worldwide. The anthology not only celebrates the intricacies of the mystery narrative but also pays homage to the genre's evolution over time. The contributing authors, hailing from the 19th to early 20th centuries, represent a critical period in literature when the mystery genre was burgeoning and finding its footing amidst other literary movements. Collectively, their backgroundsspanning different geographies, cultures, and professionsenrich the collection, providing a panoramic view of the societal attitudes and literary trends of their times. These authors together underscore the universal appeal of the mystery genre, influenced by, and in turn influencing, major cultural and literary movements such as Romanticism, Realism, and the Golden Age of detective fiction. THE OBVIOUS CLUE - Ultimate Murder Mystery Collection offers an unparalleled journey through the evolution of the murder mystery narrative, inviting readers to delve into the cunning, the mysterious, and the ingeniously crafted plots that have stood the test of time. This anthology serves not only as a treasure trove for aficionados of the genre but also as a comprehensive study resource for those keen to explore the origins and developments of literary mystery. Its collective exploration of human psychology, societal dynamics, and the perennial quest for justice makes it an essential addition to any literary collection, promising insights and intrigue for scholars, students, and mystery enthusiasts alike.

The oral history of a renowned Czech writer, whose optimism and faith in people survived grueling experiences under authoritarian regimes.

A classic account of life under Nazism and Stalinism that will appeal to fans of Alone in Berlin and Stasiland.

An awakening -- Inevitability of innocence -- Mercy vs. justice -- The great American death penalty decline -- The defense lawyering effect -- Murder insurance -- The other death penalty -- The execution decline -- End game -- The triumph of mercy

Musaicum Press presents to you a collection of the greatest murder mysteries written by the Émile Gaboriau: Monsieur Lecoq Series: The Widow Lerouge The Mystery of Orcival File No. 113 Monsieur Lecoq The Honor of the Name Caught in the Net The Champdoce Mystery Other Mysteries: The Count's Millions Pascal and Marguerite Baron Trigault's Vengeance The Clique of Gold Other People's Money Within an Inch of His Life