Part of a publishing program that creates a brand new look for Marsh's 32 mystery novels, this book finds Inspector Roderick Alleyn going backstage at a theater company to find out why a bottle of champagne crashed down on the head of the famous producer and killed him.

When things in the land down under start to heat up, murder steps in. Nikki and her boss-turned-boyfriend came to Australia to visit the Hahndorf Winery, but it seems they’ve also walked onto a movie set. And when lead actress Lucy Swanson is found dead in her trailer, bitten by a poisonous snake, Nikki must comb the vineyards of the valley to catch a killer with a venomous streak—before she’s struck herself.

A police inspector finds trouble during a trip to New Zealand: “It’s time to start comparing Christie to Marsh instead of the other way around.” —New York Magazine Inspector Roderick Alleyn has taken a break from England and journeyed to New Zealand, and traveling along with him are the members of the Carolyn Dacres English Comedy Company. The actors' operatic intrigues offer an amusing diversion—until, unexpectedly, they turn deadly. And Alleyn learns, not for the last time, that while he may be able to leave his badge back in Blighty, he’s still a policeman, even on the other side of the world. “Any Ngaio Marsh story is certain to be Grade A.” —The New York Times

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.

Who killed the Woman in the Wine? It’s a question that has haunted the village for over thirty years, but the woman’s daughter is convinced I, Julie Belmain, can come up with an answer. No one cares that I have the worst cold ever. And no one cares – because no one knows – that the daughter’s boyfriend is also my old crush. All I want to do is run into his arms... but all he wants is for me to crack an unsolved murder case that’s older than I am. Do I really want to poke my snotty nose into my neighbours’ and friends’ affairs? When the cold trail heats up in the old hotel I’ve invested in, I don’t have much choice. Diving into the past brings up shameful secrets and private grudges that send shock waves through the village. No one – including my own mother – can escape the consequences. If I keep digging into the past, we may end up with another death...

Seattle attorney Annie Macpherson is stunned to receive a desperate phone message from her old high school friend, Taylor North. They haven't spoken in seventeen years, ever since the bitter fight involving Taylor's violent boyfriend--and eventual husband--Steven Vick. So, with trepidation and a touch of dread, Annie rushes to Yakima Valley, where Taylor owns a winery, and discovers a curious truth. In the last six months--after Taylor threw Steven off the land and out of her life--threatening events have begun to plague the North Faire Winery. Bottles and corks vanish, spray paint spoils the ripe grapes, salt is sifted into the wine. But the worst is yet to come when a bludgeoned body is found--and Taylor is the prime suspect. The third book in the Annie MacPherson Mystery Series, which began with Sea of Troubles.

A touring theatre company in New Zealand forms the basis of one of Marsh’s most ambitious and innovative novels