THE GREATEST BRITISH DETECTIVES - Ultimate Collection: 270+ Murder Mysteries, Suspense Thrillers & Crime Stories (Illustrated Edition) stands as a monumental anthology in the world of detective and mystery fiction. It encapsulates the breadth and diversity of a genre that has captivated readers for generations, showcasing a range of literary styles from the cunningly plotted whodunit to the psychological thriller. Significantly, the collection presents an unparalleled opportunity to explore the evolution of detective fiction through its most pivotal eras, highlighting contributions that have shaped and defined the genre. The anthology's eclectic mix reflects not just on the crimes but the societal contexts and the moral quandaries faced by its protagonists, offering readers an immersive journey through the labyrinth of crime and justice. The backgrounds of the contributing authors, including luminaries like Arthur Conan Doyle and G.K. Chesterton, provide a rich tapestry of the literary and cultural milieu from which these stories emerged. Collectively, their work speaks to the burgeoning interest in crime fiction during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mirroring the anxieties of the time and experimenting with new narrative structures. This collection aligns with various historical and literary movements, from the intricate puzzles of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction to the hard-boiled realism that emerged in response to World War I's disillusionment, showcasing how these varied voices contribute to a multi-faceted understanding of crime and its repercussions. This anthology is an essential read for those keen on delving into the depths of human psyche and society through the lens of detective fiction. It offers an unparalleled chance to engage with the seminal works that have defined and expanded the boundaries of the mystery genre. For scholars, enthusiasts, and casual readers alike, this collection promises not only an education in the genres evolution but also an expansive exploration of the themes of justice, morality, and human cunning. Each story invites readers into a complex dialogue between author, detective, and the enigmatic allure of the unsolved, making this collection a valuable addition to any literary repertoire.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A modern classic of true crime, set in a most beguiling Southern city—now in a 30th anniversary edition with a new afterword by the author “Elegant and wicked . . . might be the first true-crime book that makes the reader want to book a bed and breakfast for an extended weekend at the scene of the crime.”—The New York Times Book Review Shots rang out in Savannah’s grandest mansion in the misty, early morning hours of May 2, 1981. Was it murder or self-defense? For nearly a decade, the shooting and its aftermath reverberated throughout this hauntingly beautiful city of moss-hung oaks and shaded squares. In this sharply observed, suspenseful, and witty narrative, John Berendt skillfully interweaves a hugely entertaining first-person account of life in this isolated remnant of the Old South with the unpredictable twists and turns of a landmark murder case. It is a spellbinding story peopled by a gallery of remarkable characters: the well-bred society ladies of the Married Woman’s Card Club; the turbulent young gigolo; the hapless recluse who owns a bottle of poison so powerful it could kill every man, woman, and child in Savannah; the aging and profane Southern belle who is the “soul of pampered self-absorption”; the uproariously funny drag queen; the acerbic and arrogant antiques dealer; the sweet-talking, piano-playing con artist; young people dancing the minuet at the black debutante ball; and Minerva, the voodoo priestess who works her magic in the graveyard at midnight. These and other Savannahians act as a Greek chorus, with Berendt revealing the alliances, hostilities, and intrigues that thrive in a town where everyone knows everyone else. Brilliantly conceived and masterfully written, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a sublime and seductive reading experience.

Presents an annotated bibliography of general and subject reference books covering the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, history, science, technology, and medicine.