The John Rhode Detective Library brings together sixteen of the most compelling and ingeniously plotted mysteries featuring Dr. Lancelot Priestley, one of the most distinctive sleuths of the Golden Age of detective fiction. Created by Cecil John Charles Street, writing as John Rhode, Dr. Priestley is a logician, a scientist, and an armchair detective whose calm reasoning and analytical mind unravel even the most baffling of crimes. This illustrated collection includes standout titles such ...

A night of revelry ends with a perplexing death in the first novel featuring one of the greatest detectives of the Golden Age of Mystery.In the early hours of a wintery morning, Harold Merefield returns home from a festive little party at The Naxos, a popular nightclub in Paddington. But just as he tries to get some much-needed sleep, he is startled by a gruesome discovery on his bed: a corpse.There is no way to identify the dead man or the cause of his death...

This captivating collection brings together twelve classic detective stories by John Rhode, featuring the ingenious Dr. Lancelot Priestley. Known for his analytical mind and unwavering commitment to justice, Dr. Priestley tackles complex cases, unravels baffling mysteries, and exposes hidden truths with his signature intellect. The anthology includes: • The Paddington Mystery: A curious case of a man who vanishes without a trace. • Dr. Priestley’s Quest: A trail of intrigue as Dr. Priestle...

Murder at Derivale, first published in 1958, is book no. 66 in the Dr. Priestley detective story series. Author John Rhode, a pen name of Cecil Street (1884-1964), was a prolific writer of mostly detective novels, publishing more than 140 books between 1924 and 1961. Murder at Derivale one of the final books in the Priestley series, has Inspector Jimmy Waghorn (assisted by the now elderly Dr. Priestley) investigating the death by poisoning of a man found dead in a...

“The Hanging Woman” (1931) is a classic mystery novel by John Rhode (Miles Burton) featuring his recurring detective, Dr. Lancelot Priestley. It centers on an investigation into a suspicious death at a supposedly haunted house.

“Dead of the Night” (1942) is a mystery by John Rhode (Miles Burton) featuring his recurring investigator Dr. Priestley. Written during WWII, the plot reflects the atmosphere of the British Home Guard preparing for a potential invasion. The story involves a murder that occurs during a Home Guard training exercise (a "night exercise").

In a largely peaceful village in England during the early stages of the Second World War the body of the young man who owns Lilac Cottage is found dead. The only clue that the investigating officers of Scotland Yard can find is a five pound note, but it lures Priestley to the trail. A second murder takes place nearby soon afterwards, puzzling to most, but to Priestley it confirms the theory he is already developing.

After a man is found gassed to death in a Cornish coastal resort, Superintendent Jimmy Waghorn takes up the case with the long-distance assistance of his mentor Doctor Priestley in London. Priestley is able to cast doubt on the police's view that the dead man's young housekeeper, now missing, is responsible for the crime.

''Twice Dead'' by John Rhode is a classic Golden Age mystery where the eccentric Sir Francis Yordale fakes his own death to test his heirs' affection, only to be found genuinely dead soon after, leading Superintendent Jimmy Waghorn and Dr. Priestley to investigate his real murder by carbon monoxide poisoning, revealing hidden family secrets and ingenious criminal methods.

In Death at Breakfast, John Rhode presents another thrilling Dr. Priestley mystery that unfolds within a seemingly ordinary setting—a country house where an unexpected tragedy occurs. The story begins with the peculiar death of Victor Harleston, a wealthy businessman, who is found dead at the breakfast table under circumstances that defy explanation. Initially thought to be a sudden, natural death, closer inspection by Dr. Priestley reveals signs that hint at something more sinister. The c...

Death on the Boat Train, first published in 1940, is book no. 32 in the series of mysteries featuring private detective Dr. Priestley and Scotland Yard's Superintendent Hanslet and Inspector Jimmy Waghorn. Author John Rhode, a pen name of Cecil Street (1884-1964), was a prolific writer of mostly detective novels, publishing more than 140 books between 1924 and 1961. From the dustjacket: Fair blew the wind from France, and the Channel steamer Isle of Jethou rolled ...

Despite starting out life as an officer in the British army, Cecil Street went on to become a successful author of detective fiction. His most famous crime-solver, Dr. Priestly, featured in almost fifty novels, including the acclaimed The Elusive Bullet. Many crime and detective stories, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the ...