Most Popular Books by John Dickson

When a spiritual medium is murdered in a locked hut on a haunted estate, Sir Henry Merrivale seeks a logical solution to a ghostly crime. Plague Court is old and crumbling, long neglected after its lord, hangman’s assistant Louis Playge, fell victim to the black death hundreds of years before. Famously haunted by Playge’s ghost, the property finally has a new owner and banishing the spirit is the first order of business. And when the medium employed with this task is found stabbed to death in a locked stone hut on the grounds, surrounded by an untouched circle of mud, the other guests at Plague Court have every reason to fear an act of supernatural violence—for who among them would be diabolical and calculating enough to orchestrate such an impossible execution? Enter Sir Henry Merrivale, an amateur sleuth of many talents with deductive powers strong enough to unspool even the most baffling crimes. But in the creepy, atmospheric setting of Plague Court, where every indication suggests intervention from the afterlife, he encounters a seemingly-illogical murder scene unlike anything he’s ever encountered before . . . Reissued for the first time in years, The Plague Court Murders is the first novel in the Sir Henry Merrivale series. Originally published under the name Carter Dickson, it is a masterful example of the “impossible crime” novel for which John Dickson Carr is known. “Very few detective stories baffle me nowadays, but Mr. Carr’s always do.” —Agatha Christie

Golden Age mystery author John Dickson Carr displays his mastery of the historical mystery in this thrilling tale of courtship and punishment in Regency-era England To inherit her family fortune, beautiful Miss Caroline Ross must marry before her twenty-fifth birthday. But she has found only two breeds of husband: violent drunks and irresponsible dandies. To evade wedded agony, she chooses a spouse not long for this world—a convicted murderer with just a few hours left until his date with the hangman. But clever, cold-hearted Caroline does not yet realize it is her neck around which the noose is tightening and that she risks facing a life sentence far grimmer than one at Newgate jail.

Death and tennis meet in one of impossible crime master John Dickson Carr''s most memorable cases.

A corpse in a top hat leads Dr. Gideon Fell to a killer with a sick sense of humor in this mystery by the celebrated author of Hag’s Nook. At the hand of an outrageous prankster, top hats are going missing all over London, snatched from the heads of some of the city’s most powerful people―but is the hat thief the same as the person responsible for stealing a lost story by Edgar Allan Poe, the manuscript of which has just disappeared from the collection of Sir William Bitton? Unlike the manuscript, the hats don’t stay stolen for long, each one reappearing in unexpected and conspicuous places shortly after being taken: on the top of a Trafalgar Square statue, hanging from a Scotland Yard lamppost, and now, in the foggy depths of the Tower of London, on the head of a corpse with a crossbow bolt through the heart. Amateur detective and lexicographer Dr. Gideon Fell is on the case, and when the dead man is identified as the nephew of the collector, he discovers that the connections underlying the bizarre and puzzling crimes may be more intimate than initially expected . . . Reprinted for the first time in thirty years, the second novel in the Dr. Gideon Fell series, which need not be read in any order, finds the iconic character investigating one of the most extraordinary murders of his career. A baffling whodunnit with menace at every turn, The Mad Hatter Mystery proves that Carr is the “unexcelled master of creepy erudition, swift-moving excitement and suspense through atmosphere” (New York Times). “Every sentence gives a thrill of positive pleasure. [The Mad Hatter Mystery] is the most attractive mystery I have read for a long time.”―Dorothy Sayers

Returning from the war, Don Holden discovers that his best friend''s wife has died under mysterious circumstances

A chilling Gothic tale of warped passion and bizarre murder by the master of the historical whodunit. Two women: one a vile old bawd, dead, it seemed, of fright; the other, Peg, a headstrong, ravishing young heiress. Their lives are linked by a mysterious portrait and a child''s nursery rhyme - a rhyme that spells disgrace and death for the lusty young Peg unless her unwilling lover can trace the connection. ''No one is so consistently successful as Carr'' New York Times Book Review

A fresh approach to the hot-button topic of women in ministry Based on his study of a key word for “teaching” in the New Testament—an activity often thought to be prohibited to women—and on various other kinds of public speaking in which women in Scripture clearly participated, scholar John Dickson builds a case for women preachers. This expanded edition of Hearing Her Voice, published originally as a short ebook, presents an entirely new and convincing biblical argument. Focused and purposefully limited in its conclusions, Dickson’s case has the potential to change minds and merits careful consideration by complementarians and egalitarians alike. This book will be useful for pastors, Bible teachers, college and seminary students, professors, and lay leaders who wrestle with the topic of women’s roles in ministry, and it will appeal to many with its fresh approach to this hot-button topic.

"H.M. solves an incredible crime. Avory Hume is found stabbed to death with an arrow--in a study with bolted steel shutters and a heavy door locked from the inside. In the same room James Caplon Answell lies unconscious, his clothes disordered as though from a struggle, his fingerprints on the damning arrow. ... the great, explosive Sir Henry Merrivale gets down to serious sleuthing and at last startles the crowd in the Old Bailey with a reconstruction of the crime along logical, convincing lines." --

This "[Is a] nail-biting locked room puzzle...Carr''s gift for creating a creepy atmosphere again meshes with a brilliantly constructed and eminently fair whodunit." — Publishers Weekly, Starred Review "Who can I trust?" Love-sick Dick Markham is reeling. He''s set to marry Lesley Grant—a woman whom he learns is not who she appears to be. She seems to have been associated with three poisonings, all of which were in locked rooms. Another crime has been committed and we will watch the great Dr. Fell investigate through Markham''s watchful eyes. That night the enigmatic fortune teller—and chief accuser—is found dead in an impossible locked-room setup, casting suspicion onto Grant and striking doubt into the heart of her lover. Lured by the scent of the impossible case, Dr. Gideon Fell arrives from London to examine the perplexing evidence and match wits with a meticulous killer at large. First published in 1944, Till Death Do Us Part remains a pacey and deeply satisfying impossible crime story, championed by Carr connoisseurs as one of the very best examples of his mystery writing talents. This edition includes an introduction by CWA Diamond Dagger Award-winning author Martin Edwards.

For believers and skeptics alike, A Doubter''s Guide to World Religions introduces the five major world religions so that you can explore their similarities and differences in a fair and engaging way. The world is a very religious place. Wherever you look, people are worshipping, praying, believing, following, even dying for their faith. But what does it mean to be religious? Are all religions the same? Do they all call on the same God simply using different names? Are their beliefs and practices simply cultural expressions of the same spiritual longings? Written by historian and theologian John Dickson in his characteristically engaging style, this book presents each of the world''s five major systems of faith, carefully outlining the history, doctrines, beliefs, and spiritual practices of: Hinduism ("The Way of Release") Buddhism ("The Way of Enlightenment") Judaism ("The Way of the Torah") Christianity ("The Way of the Christ") Islam ("The Way of Submission") In his own words, Dickson acts as an art curator in a gallery, presenting each of these "works of art" in their best light and letting each have their say. Along the way, he demonstrates the importance of religion in general—to society and to individual believers—and addresses many of the universal questions that all of these serious and ancient religions ask: Who are we? What is our worth? How should we live? Are we alone? At the end of each section is a bibliography of helpful books and websites for those who are interested in learning even more.

Death and tennis meet in one of impossible crime master John Dickson Carr’s most memorable cases. John Dickson Carr is famous for his puzzling “impossible crime” plots in which corpses are discovered in scenarios that seem to lack any logical explanation. Among all of Carr’s ingenious crime scenes, the present case is one of the best known: a dead man is found strangled in the middle of a clay tennis court just after a storm. In the damp dirt, there is one set of footsteps—his own—leading back to the grass; the court is otherwise untouched. It seems like a case of sudden death but, in order to find who’s at fault, the authorities must first solve the mystery of the body’s puzzling position. The bafflement has reached a harried volley by the time ace amateur sleuth Dr. Gideon Fell gets involved, bringing to the case a wit capable of cutting through the racket and discovering the truth. With brilliant deductive reasoning and plenty of humor, Fell untethers a confounding set of clues in search of a diabolical killer and a bizarre murder method, serving up a dazzling stroke of genius to expose whodunit. Reissued for the first time this century, The Problem of the Wire Cage is an atmospheric and amusing Golden Age mystery with a memorable puzzle at its center, perfect for both long-time fans and first-time readers of John Dickson Carr.

A Grand Master of the British-style detective story brings Victorian England to vivid life in this murder mystery, which critic Anthony Boucher hailed as a “faultless formal puzzle in detection” In 1865, novelist Clive Strickland is relaxing at his club when his friend Victor Damon comes to him in a panic, begging Clive to help him marry off his sister to a cash-poor marquis whose affections reek of gold-digging. Victor doesn’t care. Something sinister lurks at High Chimneys and he wants his sisters out of the house before their lives are put in danger. Old Matthew Damon, their father, has long been dogged by scandalous rumors of solitary visits to the cells of women about to be hanged for murder. But when murder is done at High Chimneys, Strickland and private investigator Jonathan Whicher will have to sort out the rumors and look behind the discreetly drawn curtains of High Chimneys for a killer.

In this baffling whodunnit from the master of the locked-room mystery, a man falls dead in a guarded room, and Sir Henry Merrivale searches for a devilishly-clever killer. They say that Lord Mantling’s mansion is haunted — at least, one room of it is. Known as the Red Widow’s Chamber, the now-sealed quarters once housed the wife of a guillotine operator in the French Revolution, and, since her passing, have been host to a century of unsolved horrors, including the death of a man in 1802, the death of a child in 1895, and a number of mysterious mortalities in the years in between. Now, in 1935, eight men and women join at the manor for a sinister experiment to determine the truth behind the haunting once and for all: they each draw a card, and whoever pulls the Ace of Spades must spend a night in that terrifying room. But the challenge turns fatal when the man selected for the task is found poisoned the next morning when the doors are opened. The locked room was guarded all night, so nobody could have entered or escaped; what’s more, the deadly toxin could only have entered through a break in the skin, but no wounds were discovered on the body. Is this evidence, at last, of a nefarious spirit at work, or of a diabolical and ingenious killer? Only Sir Henry Merrivale, called in to take note of the night’s proceedings, will be able to examine the clues and deduce the truth.

Covering the historicity of the New Testament, Jesus'' birth and family, his historical context, teachings, miracles, death, resurrection and subsequent appearances, this book clears away the mists of speculation and fantasy, revealing the founder of Christianity. It considers the real significance of Jesus for the 21st century.

Discover the captivating treasures buried in the British Library''s archives. Largely inaccessible to the public until now, these enduring crime classics were written in the golden age of detective fiction. With an introduction by Martin Edwards and featuring the Dickson Carr short story "The Shadow of the Goat" We are thrilled to welcome John Dickson Carr into the Crime Classics series with his first novel, a brooding locked room mystery in the gathering dusk of the French capital. In the smoke-wreathed gloom of a Parisian salon, Inspector Bencolin has summoned his allies to discuss a peculiar case. A would-be murderer, imprisoned for his attempt to kill his wife, has escaped and is known to have visited a plastic surgeon. His whereabouts remain a mystery, though with his former wife poised to marry another, Bencolin predicts his return. Sure enough, the Inspector''s worst suspicions are realized when the beheaded body of the new suitor is discovered in a locked room of the salon, with no apparent exit. Bencolin sets off into the Parisian night to unravel the dumbfounding mystery and track down the sadistic killer. Penned during the golden age of mysteries, this thrilling investigation brings a detective face to face with the darkest parts of Paris. And after the thrilling conclusion of the locked room mystery, sit back and enjoy the short story "The Shadow of the Goat", also included in this exclusive British Library crime classic.

In ''More English Fairy Tales,'' editors Joseph Jacobs and John Dickson Batten present a captivating selection of storied gems from the rich vein of English folklore. This anthology shines by showcasing the multifaceted nature of fairy tales, ranging from the enchanting to the cautionary, and illustrates the enduring appeal of traditional narratives. The collection not only embodies the diversity of English regional storytelling but also highlights its contribution to the broader tapestry of global folklore, underscoring the shared human inclination toward mythmaking. The inclusion of standout pieces offers readers a glimpse into the depth and variety of England''s cultural heritage. The contributors to this volume, through their collective endeavors, breathe new life into the once oral tales of English lore. Jacobs and Batten, both instrumental figures in the folklore renaissance of their time, have meticulously curated stories that speak to both the historical significance and the timeless quality of these narratives. This anthology serves as a testament to the cultural, historical, and literary movements that fairy tales have both influenced and been influenced by, showcasing a coherent blend of the mythic with the everyday. ''More English Fairy Tales'' invites readers into the enchanting world of folklore, offering an unparalleled exploration of the form''s artistry and its power to convey enduring truths about the human experience. This collection is an essential read for anyone eager to dive into the complexities of cultural storytelling, providing a comprehensive insight into the narratives that have shaped English cultural identity. It is a celebration of imagination and tradition that encourages a deeper understanding of the past and its profound impact on the present.

Discover the enchanting world of European folklore with Joseph Jacobs'' "Europa''s Fairy Book," a treasury of timeless tales and captivating legends. Journey through the diverse landscapes of Europe as you explore a rich collection of fairy tales passed down through generations. This carefully curated anthology brings together classic children''s stories that have delighted readers for centuries. Delve into a world of wonder and imagination, where magical creatures and brave heroes come to life. "Europa''s Fairy Book" offers a glimpse into the cultural heritage and storytelling traditions of Europe, showcasing the enduring power of folklore. A perfect addition to any library, this collection is a testament to the timeless appeal of fairy tales. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Rita Wainwright''s love affair with Barry Sullivan is flamboyant enough to deserve a dramatic ending, so that when the pair of them vanish over a cliff one rainy night, leaving a farewell note for Rita''s husband, no one doubts for a moment that it is a case of suicide – except for Doctor Luke, one of the few people who genuinely liked her. Sir Henry Merrivale – the fabulous ''H.M.'' – is staying in the area, having his portrait painted as a Roman senator. Although confined to a bath-chair with an injured toe, this does not stop him getting about – occasionally in toga and laurels – and solving what is too much for the sharp-eyed doctor.

Everything you could ever want in a Golden Age of Detective Fiction novel. — Booklist Also known by its US title The Problem of the Green Capsule, this classic novel is widely regarded as one of John Dickson Carr''s masterpieces and remains among the greatest impossible crime mysteries of all time. A sinister case of deadly poisoned chocolates from Sodbury Cross''s high street shop haunts the group of friends and relatives assembled at Bellegarde, among the orchards of ''peach-fancier'' Marcus Chesney. To prove a point about how the sweets could have been poisoned under the nose of the shopkeeper, Chesney stages an elaborate memory game to test whether any of his guests can see beyond their ''black spectacles''; that is, to see the truth without assumptions as witnesses. During the test – which is also being filmed – Chesney is murdered by his accomplice, dressed head to toe in an ''invisible man'' disguise. The keen wits of Dr, Gideon Fell are called for to crack this brazen and bizarre murder committed in full view of an audience.

"The purpose, the illusion, the spirit of a waxworks. It is an atmosphere of death. It is soundless and motionless... Do you see?" Last night Mademoiselle Duchêne was seen heading into the Gallery of Horrors at the Musée Augustin waxworks, alive. Today she was found in the Seine, murdered. The museum''s proprietor, long perturbed by the unnatural vitality of his figures, claims that he saw one of them following the victim into the dark—a lead that Henri Bencolin, head of the Paris police and expert of ''impossible'' crimes, cannot possibly resist. Surrounded by the eerie noises of the night, Bencolin prepares to enter the ill-fated waxworks, his associate Jeff Marle and the victim''s fiancé in tow. Waiting within, beneath the glass-eyed gaze of a leering waxen satyr, is a gruesome discovery and the first clues of a twisted and ingenious mystery. First published in 1932 at the height of crime fiction''s Golden Age, this macabre and atmospheric dive into the murky underground of Parisian society presents an intelligent puzzle delivered at a stunning pace. This new edition also includes the rare Inspector Bencolin short story "The Murder in Number Four" by John Dickson Carr, and an Introduction by CWA Diamond Dagger-Award winning author Martin Edwards.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of "Celtic Folk and Fairy Tales," a rich collection of timeless stories from the British Isles. This volume gathers captivating folktales, legends, and mythology, offering a glimpse into the heart of Celtic tradition. Explore the realm of fairies and the magic woven into the very fabric of the land. Compiled from various sources, these tales provide a captivating journey through a landscape filled with wonder and mystery. Discover enduring narratives that have been passed down through generations, reflecting the cultural heritage and imaginative spirit of Great Britain. This meticulously prepared print edition preserves these classic stories for all who cherish the power of storytelling and the allure of Celtic folklore. A treasure trove of imagination awaits within these pages. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Rose Lestrange is discovered stabbed to death inside a locked room and Dr. Gideon Fell is determined to prove that it was murder, not suicide

A BLACK DAGGER CRIME edition of a novel in which someone is murdering Napoleon''s personal enemies and is spreading terror through the army poised to invade England, and a Briton, forced to discover the identity of the killer, pits his wits against Napoleon himself.

When Pennington Barclay is found murdered in a locked room, his sister claims that he was killed by a ghost and Dr. Fell is called to investigate

The story of a baffling murder takes place in London and at the BBC studios and the home of Sherlock Holmes.

When the fake defense Patrick Butler used to clear Joyce Ellis is used to prove Lucia Renshaw is guilty of murder, he turns to Dr. Gideon Fell for help

An acknowledged master of the classic "locked room" mystery, Carr wrote 71 books from the 1930''s through the 1960''s. The evidence shows that while waiting to kill wealthy Septmus Depping, the would-be murderer ate the victim''s dinner and promptly died. Before famed sleuth Dr. Gideon Fell can finger the poisoner, another course of murder is served.