This eBook edition of "The Heart of Penelope" has been formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. "At first he only saw that the chair, set before the broad table covered with papers, was without an occupant. But gradually, and not quite at once—or so it seemed to him looking back—he became aware that in the shadow of the table, stretched angularly across the floor, lay Sir George Downing, dead. Standing there, with the horror of what he saw growing on him, Wantley had not a moment of real doubt, of wild hope that this might not be death. Still, as he knelt down and brought himself to touch, to move, that which lay there, he suddenly became aware of a fact which would have laid any such doubt, for above Downing's right ear was a wound"

The 'Vintage Murder Mysteries - Ultimate Anthology' represents a spectacular showcase of detective fiction, spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This collection traverses an array of literary styles, from the methodical deduction of Holmesian puzzles to the engrossing psychological depth characteristic of later works. It not only highlights the evolution of the mystery genre but also affirms its lasting impact on modern storytelling. Standout pieces within the anthology demonstrate a mastery of suspense and narrative innovation, showcasing the diverse techniques and thematic explorations that have come to define the genre. The authors featured in this anthology, including luminaries such as Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, and Agatha Christie, among others, provide a panoramic view of the literary movements and cultural shifts influencing the development of detective fiction. Each author brings their unique background, offering insights into societal concerns, human psychology, and the inexorable push towards modernity that colored the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. The collection, thus, does not just narrate tales of intrigue and crime but paints a rich tapestry of historical and cultural narratives, capturing the zeitgeist of their times. This anthology is recommended for readers seeking to immerse themselves in the foundational texts of detective fiction. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the ingenuity and diversity of storytelling from a period rich in narrative experimentation. For educators, students, and aficionados of literary history, 'Vintage Murder Mysteries - Ultimate Anthology' provides a comprehensive exploration of the genres evolution, offering both delightful entertainment and deep scholarly engagement. Delving into this collection promises a journey through the maze of human nature, societal change, and the unending quest for justice and understanding.

This meticulously edited mystery collection is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents: Edgar Wallace: The Four Just Men The Clue of the Twisted Candle Victor L. Whitechurch: The Canon in Residence Anna Katharine Green: The Leavenworth Case A Strange Disappearance The Mystery of the Hasty Arrow That Affair Next Door Lost Man's Lane The Circular Study G. K. Chesterton: The Innocence of Father Brown The Wisdom of Father Brown The Donnington Affair Arthur Conan Doyle: A Study in Scarlet The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes Edgar Allan Poe: The Murders in the Rue Morgue The Mystery of Marie Rogêt The Purloined Letter Charles Dickens: Hunted Down Wilkie Collins: The Moonstone The Woman in White The Haunted Hotel Robert Barr: The Triumph of Eugéne Valmont Jennie Baxter, Journalist The Adventures of Sherlaw Kombs The Adventure of the Second Swag E. W. Hornung: The Amateur Cracksman The Black Mask; or, Raffles: Further Adventures A Thief in the Night Mr. Justice Raffles John Kendrick Bangs: Mrs. Raffles R. Holmes & Co Melville Davisson Post: The Sleuth of St. James's Square Ellis Parker Butler: Philo Gubb Correspondence-School Detective Maurice Leblanc: Arsene Lupin The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsene Lupin R. Austin Freeman: Dr. Thorndyke's Cases The Adventures of Dr. Thorndyke Dr. Thorndyke's Casebook A. E. W. Mason: At the Villa Rose The Affair at the Semiramis Hotel Mary Roberts Rinehart: The Circular Staircase The Amazing Adventures of Letitia Carberry Tish – The Chronicle of Her Escapades and Excursions More Tish Agatha Christie: The Mysterious Affair at Styles The Murder on the Links The Kidnapped Prime Minister The Million Dollar Bond Robbery The Secret Adversary

Musaicum Books presents to you this meticulously edited mystery collection: Edgar Wallace: The Four Just Men The Clue of the Twisted Candle Victor L. Whitechurch: The Canon in Residence Anna Katharine Green: The Leavenworth Case A Strange Disappearance The Mystery of the Hasty Arrow That Affair Next Door Lost Man's Lane The Circular Study G. K. Chesterton: The Innocence of Father Brown The Wisdom of Father Brown The Donnington Affair Arthur Conan Doyle: A Study in Scarlet The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes Edgar Allan Poe: The Murders in the Rue Morgue The Mystery of Marie Rogêt The Purloined Letter Charles Dickens: Hunted Down Wilkie Collins: The Moonstone The Woman in White The Haunted Hotel Robert Barr: The Triumph of Eugéne Valmont Jennie Baxter, Journalist The Adventures of Sherlaw Kombs The Adventure of the Second Swag E. W. Hornung: The Amateur Cracksman The Black Mask; or, Raffles: Further Adventures A Thief in the Night Mr. Justice Raffles John Kendrick Bangs: Mrs. Raffles R. Holmes & Co Melville Davisson Post: The Sleuth of St. James's Square Ellis Parker Butler: Philo Gubb Correspondence-School Detective Maurice Leblanc: Arsene Lupin The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsene Lupin R. Austin Freeman: Dr. Thorndyke's Cases The Adventures of Dr. Thorndyke Dr. Thorndyke's Casebook A. E. W. Mason: At the Villa Rose The Affair at the Semiramis Hotel Mary Roberts Rinehart: The Circular Staircase The Amazing Adventures of Letitia Carberry Tish – The Chronicle of Her Escapades and Excursions More Tish Agatha Christie: The Mysterious Affair at Styles The Murder on the Links The Kidnapped Prime Minister The Million Dollar Bond Robbery The Secret Adversary

This edition includes: Novels: The Lodger The Chink in the Armour The End of Her Honeymoon Love and Hatred What Timmy Did What Really Happened The Story of Ivy From Out the Vast Deep Good Old Anna The Red Cross Barge The Heart of Penelope Barbara Rebell Jane Oglander The Uttermost Farthing Short Stories: Studies in Wives Althea's Opportunity Mr. Jarvice's Wife A Very Modern Instance According to Meredith Shameful Behaviour? The Decree Made Absolute Studies in Love and Terror Price of Admiralty The Child St. Catherine's eve The Woman from Purgatory Why they Married Biography: His Most Gracious Majesty King Edward VII

#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens brings you a tale of mysterious death, feuding families, star-crossed lovers—and shoes to die for. With her husband, amateur-sleuth the Honorable Barnaby Adair, decidedly eccentric fashionable matron Penelope Adair is attending the premier event opening the haut ton’s Season when a body is discovered in the gardens. A lady has been struck down with a finial from the terrace balustrade. Her family is present, as are the cream of the haut ton—the shocked hosts turn to Barnaby and Penelope for help. Barnaby calls in Inspector Basil Stokes and they begin their investigation. Penelope assists by learning all she can about the victim’s family, and uncovers a feud between them and the Latimers over the fabulous shoes known as Lady Latimer’s shoes, currently exclusive to the Latimers. The deeper Penelope delves, the more convinced she becomes that the murder is somehow connected to the shoes. She conscripts Griselda, Stokes’s wife, and Violet Montague, now Penelope’s secretary, and the trio set out to learn all they can about the people involved, and most importantly the shoes, a direction vindicated when unexpected witnesses report seeing a lady fleeing the scene—wearing Lady Latimer’s shoes. But nothing is as it seems, and the more Penelope and her friends learn about the shoes, conundrums abound, compounded by a Romeo-and-Juliet romance and escalating social pressure…until at last the pieces fall into place, and finally understanding what has occurred, the six intrepid investigators race to prevent an even worse tragedy. A pre-Victorian mystery with strong elements of romance. A novel of 76,000 words. An entry in The Casebook of Barnaby Adair series, the events in this novel occur between the events described in the Casebook novels, THE MASTERFUL MR. MONTAGUE and the upcoming LOVING ROSE: THE REDEMPTION OF MALCOLM SINCLAIR. Praise for the works of Stephanie Laurens “Laurens’s writing shines.” Publishers Weekly “Stephanie Laurens never fails to entertain and charm her readers with vibrant plots, snappy dialogue, and unforgettable characters.” Historical Romance Reviews. Praise for Where the Heart Leads: Volume 1 in the Casebook of Barnaby Adair "A satisfying blend of mystery and romance." Publishers Weekly "In an Amanda Quick-style suspense/romance, Laurens never loses touch with her characters' deep emotions or the haunting mystery." Romantic Times

Marie Belloc Lowndes' 'British Murder Mysteries Collection: 17 Books in One Edition' is a captivating anthology of detective fiction that offers readers a glimpse into the Golden Age of crime writing. Lowndes weaves intricate plots filled with suspense, secrets, and unexpected twists, showcasing her masterful storytelling skills. The collection presents a diverse range of characters, settings, and motives, making each tale a thrilling and thought-provoking read for fans of the genre. With its engaging narrative style and clever sleuthing, this compilation is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Lowndes' works continue to be celebrated for their contribution to the development of British detective fiction. Her keen insight into human nature and meticulous attention to detail set her apart as a pioneer in the genre. This comprehensive collection is a must-read for anyone interested in classic crime fiction and the evolution of the mystery genre.