Pinkerton detective Jennifer Layne is no stranger to undercover work. But posing as a lady companion named Amy at Miss Lillian’s Parlor House and Boots is a first for her. She’s finally landed a high-profile case and is on the trail of the notorious Gunnysack Bandit, when one of Miss Lillian’s girls essential to her investigation meets an untimely demise. Only a handful of people are in the house at the time of her death, including handsome Tom Colton, a former Texas Ranger determined to clear his brother’s name. Amy has many reasons to suspect Tom of murder—and one very personal reason to hope that she’s wrong about him.

Kathleen Gregory Klein traces female paid, professional private investigators in British, Canadian, and American novels, revealing that the detective novel is both a reflection of and potential barrier to social change for women. This edition adds sixty new female private eyes to the roster and includes an afterword that assesses the current state of the genre's new and old novels. A comprehensive bibliography and a character list update the field through mid-1994.

Pinkerton detective Jennifer Layne is on the trail of the Gunnysack Bandit, working undercover as a parlor girl named Amy, when her path crosses with handsome Tom Colton, a man on a mission of his own.

Some of the greatest detective stories every wrote are collected in this massive anthology. Works include: Zadig The Rector of Veilbye Mlle de ScudÈri The Murders In The Rue Morgue The Mystery of Marie Roget The Purloined Letter The Woman in White Bleak House A Study In Scarlet The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes? Initials Only The Moonstone Whose Body? Clouds of Witness Trentís Last Case The Woman in Black The Red House Mystery The Mysterious Affair at Styles The Secret Adversary Room Number 3 Against Odds The Black Star The Blue Lights The Brand of Silence The Diamond Cross Mystery The Experiences of Loveday Brooke, Lady Detective The Gloved Hand The Gray Mask The Great Ruby Robbery: A Detective Story Guy Garrick Hagar of the Pawn-Shop The House of Strange Secrets The Last Stroke Malcolm Sage, Detective The Mansion of Mystery The Master Detective The Mystery of the Boule Cabinet The Riddle of the Spinning Wheel The Romance of Elaine A Successful Shadow Tangled Trails Tom Sawyer, Detective The Vanishing Man The Case of the White Footprints X Y Z Case of Jennie Brice Murder! The Attic Murder The Cinema Murder Murder in the Gunroom

101 Mystery & Detective Classics You Should Read Before You Die' curates a seminal collection that encapsulates the golden era of mystery and detective literature. Spanning continents and centuries, this anthology showcases the multifaceted nature of the genre, from the gothic suspense of Poe to the intricate plots of Christie, and the psychological depth of Dostoyevsky. The range of literary styles within this volume is as diverse as its authorship, reflecting a period when this genre was not merely entertainment but a sophisticated exploration of the human psyche, societal norms, and the concept of justice. This collection stands out for its inclusion of pioneering works that have defined and expanded the boundaries of the mystery and detective genre. The contributing authors, from Jules Verne to F. Scott Fitzgerald, and beyond, bring a kaleidoscopic view of society through the lens of their cultural and historical contexts. Collectively, their backgrounds span the tumultuous transitions of the 19th and early 20th centuries, infusing the anthology with a rich diversity of perspectives on crime, morality, and the human condition. The works included align with various literary movementsromanticism, realism, the gothic, and modernismoffering a comprehensive overview of the evolution of the genre and its capacity to reflect contemporary anxieties and critiques. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, '101 Mystery & Detective Classics You Should Read Before You Die' provides a unique window into the evolution of mystery and detective literature. It is an invitation to explore the depths of human nature, the complexities of societal structures, and the perennial allure of the unknown. This anthology promises not only a tour through the labyrinthine plots and unforgettable characters that have captivated readers for over a century but also a deeper appreciation of the genres contributions to literature as a whole. Delving into this collection is to embark on an unparalleled journey across time and imagination, guided by some of the most iconic voices in literary history.

50 Masterpieces of Murder Mystery & Detective Fiction (Vol. 2) presents an unparalleled amalgamation of narrative brilliance, showcasing the diverse range of literary styles and themes that have defined and evolved the genres of murder mystery and detective fiction. The collection brings together an astonishing array of works from the nineteenth to the early twentieth centuries, adopting perspectives from gothic horror to whimsical mystery and hard-boiled detective stories. This volume not only highlights the versatility and depth of the genres but also features standout pieces that have become keystones in the literary canon, weaving together intricate plots, captivating characters, and rich atmospheric settings without attributing prominence to a single author, instead celebrating the collective achievements. The anthology stands as a testament to the ever-changing landscape of mystery and detective literature, offering readers an unprecedented journey through its developmental milestones. The contributing authors, including luminaries like Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Edgar Allan Poe, and Fyodor Dostoyevsky, among others, are pivotal figures whose works have significantly influenced the literary world. This collection provides insight into the historical and cultural backdrops that these authors navigated, reflecting a range of societal concerns and human experiences through the lens of crime and investigation. These stories not only conform to the literary movements of their times but surpass them, creating a mosaic of narratives that transcend cultural and temporal boundaries. The diverse backgrounds of the authors enrich the anthology, bringing together a spectrum of philosophical, ethical, and psychological perspectives that underpin the core of murder mystery and detective fiction. For aficionados of literature, 50 Masterpieces of Murder Mystery & Detective Fiction (Vol. 2) offers a unique opportunity to explore the complexities and intricacies of human nature and societal dynamics through a collection that showcases the finest in the genre. This volume is an essential addition to the libraries of readers seeking to immerse themselves in the world of suspense, mystery, and intellectual challenge. It invites an educational journey that spans various landscapes of human emotion and logic, encouraging a deepened appreciation for the art of storytelling. Each page promises an enlightening experience, culminating in a richer understanding and a renewed curiosity about what truly makes a masterpiece in murder mystery and detective fiction.