Send a text

The Innocence of Father Brown (1911)

G. K. Chesterton’s first collection of short stories featuring a Catholic priest who solves crimes by tapping into spiritual and philosophic truths.

Trent’s Last Case (1913)

In E. C. Bentley’s “whodunit,” new clues appear throughout the story, making readers feel as if they’re solving the crime along with Trent.

The Thirty-Nine Steps (1915)

In John Buchan’s prototype of the “man-on-the-run” adventure, a spy is murdered in Richard Hannay’s flat. Can Hannay evade his pursuers?

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920)

Agatha Christie’s incredible whodunit introduces brilliant Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, Arthur Hastings, and Inspector Japp.

Whose Body? (1923)

Dorothy Sayers introduces Lord Peter Wimsey, the father of the “gentleman sleuth” who will appear in British novels for decades to come.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926)

One of Agatha Christie’s most controversial novels due to an unexpected twist at the end. Christie considered it her masterpiece.

Red Harvest (1929)

Dashiell Hammett’s portrayal of the Continental Op as a “hard-boiled” detective became a prototype for many detective stories to come.

The Maltese Falcon (1930)

Dashiell Hammett introduces Sam Spade. The third-person-objective narrative includes no insights into characters’ thoughts and feelings.

Malice Aforethought (1931)

Frances Iles’ novel is an early example of the “inverted detective story,” in which the murder AND murderer are revealed at the beginning.

The Case of the Velvet Claws (1933)

We meet criminal defense lawyer and detective Perry Mason. Earle Stanley Gardner went on to write 150 books that sold 300 million copies.

Murder on the Orient Express (1934)

Agatha Christie’s  books have sold more than two billion copies. This page-turner starring Hercule Poirot helps to explain why.

The Nine Tailors (1934)

The murder method in Dorothy Sayers’ marvelous story was unique. The idea came from a sixpenny pamphlet about bell-ringing.

ALL THE PODCAST EPISODES

We’re reading and discussing many of the best mysteries, thrillers, and detective stories ever written. Join us on this marvelous journey!

Support the show

https://www.instagram.com/teatonicandtoxin/
https://www.facebook.com/teatonicandtoxin
https://www.teatonicandtoxin.com

Stay mysterious...