Classic Mysteries

Stranded at the monastery during a violent storm, Judge Dee finds murder most cruel and madness among the Taoist monks.

There's nothing like a murder to give you a better perspective of your own problems with the tax collector. Another fast, funny book from the late Sarah Caudwell.

Philip Marlowe's idle curiosity about a man he sees walking down the street involves him in several murders, the theft of a valuable jade necklace, several cops, all corrupt to some degree, hints of blackmail, considerable physical danger, and entanglements with a number of women. A true classic.

500 weekly reviews on the Classic Mysteries podcast - a landmark worth celebrating. So here's a "Baker's Dozen" brief reviews of some of my favorite classics.

They fought about everything - but did their battles end in death?

Sir John Appleby suspected a publicity stunt when someone stole a painting practically from under his eyes. But the dead artist turned it into something far more serious - and deadly.

Someone is bent on sabotaging the local historical pageant - and won't stop at murder to do so. Asey Mayo, "the Codfish Sherlock," must figure out who - and why.

Bill Fent died in a spectacular car crash. If he hadn't, he would have died from a spectacular dose of poison. Another of Aird's "Calleshire Chronicles."

Maigret investigates the case of a missing woman - was she murdered or had she chosen to disappear? And could it all lead to "the most hateful miscarriage of justice"?

Mr. Parker Pyne's newspaper ad was most unusual: Are you happy? If not consult Mr. Parker Pyne. Agatha Christie is in fine form with these unusual short mysteries.