The Impact of Inspector John Appleby on the Mystery Genre

Inspector John Appleby is a fictional detective created by British author Michael Innes. He first appeared in the 1936 novel Death at the President’s Lodging and went on to feature in many more novels and short stories. Appleby is an intelligent and insightful detective with a keen eye for detail. He is well-educated and well-read, with a background in classics and a talent for languages. … Continue reading The Impact of Inspector John Appleby on the Mystery Genre

Book Review: The Betel Nut Tree Mystery by Ovidia Yu (2018)

The Betel Nut Tree Mystery by Ovidia Yu is a murder mystery set in Singapore during the 1930s. It features a plucky and resourceful female protagonist, Su Lin, who is hired as a nanny to the daughter of a British police officer. When a murder occurs in the household, Su Lin uses wit and intelligence to help solve the crime. The novel takes place against … Continue reading Book Review: The Betel Nut Tree Mystery by Ovidia Yu (2018)

1930s Mysteries: An Overview

The 1930s was a decade of great change and upheaval, marked by the Great Depression, the rise of fascism in Europe, and the looming threat of a second world war. In popular culture, however, the 1930s were also a time of great fascination with mysteries and detective fiction. The decade saw the rise of many iconic characters and series, from Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot to … Continue reading 1930s Mysteries: An Overview

Reading List: 10 Popular Mysteries of the 1930s

The 1930s saw the rise of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, and many of the most iconic mystery novels were published during this period. Here are 10 popular mystery books of the 1930s: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (1934): This classic novel features Christie’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot, as he investigates a murder that occurs aboard the luxurious Orient Express. … Continue reading Reading List: 10 Popular Mysteries of the 1930s

Book Review: The Album by Mary Roberts Rinehart

The Album by Mary Roberts Rinehart is a thrilling mystery novel set in the early 1930s in the idyllic and isolated Crescent Place. The novel takes the reader on a journey of intrigue, secrets, and scandal in a neighborhood out of the past. The book opens with the introduction of the five Victorian mansions that make up the Crescent Place neighborhood, surrounded by a remote … Continue reading Book Review: The Album by Mary Roberts Rinehart

Jules Maigret: An Introduction

Jules Maigret is the iconic detective character created by Belgian author Georges Simenon. First introduced in 1931 in the novel Pietr the Latvian, Maigret went on to appear in over 70 novels and numerous short stories, becoming one of the most beloved and enduring figures in detective fiction. One of the key aspects of Maigret’s appeal is his humanity. Unlike many fictional detectives, Maigret is … Continue reading Jules Maigret: An Introduction

Book Review: The Conjure-Man Dies by Rudolph Fisher (1932)

The Conjure-Man Dies, written by Rudolph Fisher and first published in 1932, is a classic murder mystery novel set in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance. The novel features a diverse cast of characters and explores themes of race, class, and identity while keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and surprising twists. The story begins with the murder of a … Continue reading Book Review: The Conjure-Man Dies by Rudolph Fisher (1932)

Nick & Nora Charles: A Primer

Nick and Nora Charles are the main characters in a series of detective novels written by Dashiell Hammett in the 1930s. They are a wealthy, glamorous couple who solve crimes together, creating a unique and memorable dynamic in the world of detective fiction. The first novel in the series, The Thin Man, was published in 1934 and was an instant success. The novel tells the … Continue reading Nick & Nora Charles: A Primer

Book Review: Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen (2007)

Her Royal Spyness is a historical mystery novel written by Rhys Bowen, set in 1932 in London. The story follows Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, a young woman who is 34th in line for the English throne and is struggling financially. She decides to leave Scotland, her greedy brother, and her unappealing fiancĂ© to seek independence and experience life in London. Once in London, Lady … Continue reading Book Review: Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen (2007)