This new edition, which is reproduced from a first printing of the book, is introduced by the author Martin Edwards, archivist of the Detection Club, and includes a never-before-published Preface by Agatha Christie, ‘Detective Writers in England’, in which she discusses her fellow writers in the Detection Club.Lord Comstock is a barbarous newspaper tycoon with enemies in high places. His murder in the study of his country houseposes a dilemma for the Home Secretary. In the hours be...

In "Under Capricorn," Helen Simpson intricately weaves a tale that explores the complexities of love, identity, and the search for belonging in contemporary society. The novel employs a rich, lyrical prose style that immerses readers in the vivid landscapes of its setting while simultaneously delving into the nuanced emotional landscapes of its characters. Simpson's narrative is deftly structured, oscillating between past and present, which enriches the thematic exploration of memory and d...

In "Maid No More," Helen Simpson takes readers on a poignant exploration of class, gender, and identity through the lens of contemporary society. Utilizing her distinctive blend of sharp wit and lyrical prose, Simpson deftly navigates the complexities of modern motherhood, domesticity, and the often-unseen struggles that accompany them. The stories are framed within a rich literary context that resonates with innovations in feminist literature, drawing parallels with the works of Virginia ...

Poignant, funny and perceptive, Helen Simpson's fifth collection of runs the gamut of emotions and deals with birth, death and everything in between. We shift from a diary chronicling the dangers of life as a woman in the bleak 2040s, to two students falling in love then almost talking themselves out of it in an argument about the end of the world, to a heartfelt anti-cancer spell cast in the hope of protecting a friend.Moving effortlessly between tragedy and comedy and packed with...

Enter Sir John is a captivating blend of courtroom drama, theatrical flair, and classic detective fiction, co-written by Clemence Dane and Helen Simpson. This golden age mystery introduces readers to the charismatic Sir John Saumarez—a renowned actor-manager who unexpectedly steps into the role of amateur sleuth when a murder casts a dark shadow over the London stage. When young actress Martella Baring is accused of murdering a fellow performer, the evidence appears overwhelming and the ca...

Under Capricorn is a classic novel.  Turned into a 1949 Alfred Hitchcock film with screenplay by James Bridie, and adaptation by Hume Cronyn. The film starred Michael Wilding, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten, and Margaret Leighton.In 1831 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Charles Adare (Wilding) arrives with his uncle, the new governor (Cecil Parker). Charles hopes to make his fortune. He is befriended by Samson Flusky (Cotten), a prosperous businessman who is a former transported convict. Sa...

Some very few amongst are a little different. They look the same, possibly act the same but, somehow, we might suspect that they are a little out of tune, a little off.Their difference is that they have dark powers. Powers for the greedy benefit of themselves and not you or I. In these stories our authors have them doing some quite unconscionable actions that disturb and menace those around them and of course you and I.

A new literary journal arrives on the scene with unpublished works from such superstars as Dave Eggers, Louise Erdrich, Haruki Murakami, and others.In this inaugural edition of Freeman's, a new biannual of unpublished writing, former Granta editor and NBCC president John Freeman brings together the best new fiction, nonfiction, and poetry about that electrifying moment when we arrive.Strange encounters abound. David Mitchell meets a ghost ...

In "Saraband for Dead Lovers," Helen Simpson weaves a rich tapestry of historical fiction set against the backdrop of 18th-century England. The narrative intricately explores themes of love, loss, and the relentless passage of time, portrayed through the lens of a tragic love story involving the spirited and unconventional character of the noblewoman Laura. Simpson's prose is both lyrical and poignant, seamlessly blending historical detail with emotional depth, while her narrative structur...

In 'The Woman on the Beast,' Helen Simpson masterfully intertwines themes of identity, desire, and the intricate threads of human connection, set against the backdrop of contemporary life. Through a series of vividly rendered vignettes, Simpson employs a graceful yet incisive literary style, characterized by her keen eye for detail and deft use of language. The book captures the complexities of women's experiences, balancing moments of intimacy and vulnerability with sharp wit, inviting re...

In "Boomerang," Helen Simpson crafts a poignant and incisive exploration of the human experience, focusing on the nuances of life, love, and loss in contemporary Britain. Through a series of interconnected short stories, Simpson employs a sharp wit and a keen eye for detail, capturing the interplay between dire circumstances and the humor that often underpins them. The literary style showcases her characteristic blend of realism and satirical commentary, subtly addressing themes of aging, ...

England inside the early years of Henry VIII can be visible as a newly risen energy, with continental commitments; a rich united states of America, way to the economies of the King's father, and for this reason sought as an ally with the aid of the more considerable States. Her traditional friendships were in Spain and Portugal. her enmities with Scotland and France; of those latter, Scotland, overwhelmed with the aid of the victory of Flodden in 1513, gave little trouble throughout Henry'...