Two Arab men are found murdered near downtown Houston, Texas, and detectives Ross Clayton and Leona Stillwell are sent to investigate. These aren’t ordinary murders, however—the bodies are arranged to mirror a famous Impressionist painting, and the exactitude of the killing gives Clayton cause to be concerned. He suspects this killer isn’t finished. His suspicions turn out to be correct as more men end up dead and similarly arranged. Every victim is of Arab descent, and it’s hard to deny the killer must have both some kind of racial vendetta and a love for Impressionist art. Clayton and his partner have no choice but to seek out an expert—Lund Corbel from the Houston Fine Arts Museum. He sets them on the right path, but their path gets crowded as the serial killer continues the spree. Clayton has solved plenty of strange crimes before, but he’s beginning to feel out of his depth, especially following the death of a fellow cop in pursuit of another investigation involving drugs, prostitution, and murder. Soon, two investigations collide, and the end won’t be as pretty as a painting.

Two Arab men are found murdered near downtown Houston, Texas, and detectives Ross Clayton and Leona Stillwell are sent to investigate. These arent ordinary murders, howeverthe bodies are arranged to mirror a famous Impressionist painting, and the exactitude of the killing gives Clayton cause to be concerned. He suspects this killer isnt finished. His suspicions turn out to be correct as more men end up dead and similarly arranged. Every victim is of Arab descent, and its hard to deny the killer must have both some kind of racial vendetta and a love for Impressionist art. Clayton and his partner have no choice but to seek out an expertLund Corbel from the Houston Fine Arts Museum. He sets them on the right path, but their path gets crowded as the serial killer continues the spree. Clayton has solved plenty of strange crimes before, but hes beginning to feel out of his depth, especially following the death of a fellow cop in pursuit of another investigation involving drugs, prostitution, and murder. Soon, two investigations collide, and the end wont be as pretty as a painting.

The first book in this thrilling, terrifying series by New York Times bestselling author Barry Lyga is perfect for fans of Dexter. It was a beautiful day. It was a beautiful field. Except for the body. Jazz is a likable teenager. A charmer, some might say. But he's also the son of the world's most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, "Take Your Son to Work Day" was year-round. Jazz has witnessed crime scenes the way cops wish they could--from the criminals' point of view. And now, even though Dad has been in jail for years, bodies are piling up in the sleepy town of Lobo's Nod. Again. In an effort to prove murder doesn't run in the family, Jazz joins the police in the hunt for this new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret--could he be more like his father than anyone knows? From acclaimed author Barry Lyga comes a riveting thriller about a teenager trying to control his own destiny in the face of overwhelming odds.

The 'S.S. VAN DINE Premium Collection' represents a pivotal assembly of thriller classics, murder mysteries, and detective tales that weave together a rich tapestry of intrigue and intellectual challenge. The anthology is celebrated not just for its selection of compelling narratives but also for its diverse literary styles that range from the taut and suspenseful to the methodically deductive, encapsulating a broad spectrum of the crime genres evolution over the early 20th century. The volume stands out for its comprehensive showcase of Van Dine's (a pseudonym for Willard Huntington Wright) seminal work within the detective fiction landscape, offering readers an annotated and illustrated journey through the high points of his literary contributions. These standout pieces bridge the gap between entertainment and intellectual rigor, challenging readers to decipher clues alongside the protagonists. The contributing minds behind this anthology, primarily Wright under his famed alias, S.S. Van Dine, have indelibly shaped the contours of detective fiction. Their works, synonymous with the Golden Age of detective stories, reflect a period of literary experimentation and the transformation of the detective story into a vehicle for both puzzlement and social commentary. Wrights penchant for weaving intricate plots with a firm underpinning in logic and art history elucidates the intellectual currents of his time, making this collection an indispensable resource for understanding the genre's development. This anthology is thus recommended for readers eager to immerse themselves in the cerebral depths of classic detective fiction. It offers a unique window into the strategies employed by one of the genres masters, enhancing appreciation for the detective tale's art form. Beyond mere entertainment, the 'S.S. VAN DINE Premium Collection' invites readers to explore the multifaceted dimensions of mystery and deduction, championing the enduring appeal of the genre and fostering a deeper conversation between the intricate plots of yesteryears and the analytical minds of todays readers.