The Poisoned Chocolates Case (British Library Crime Classics)

Anthony Berkeley

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0712356533 ISBN 13: 9780712356534

Publisher: The British Library Publishing Division, 2016

'All his stories are amusing, intriguing, and he is a master of the final twist' - Agatha Christie'One of the most stunning trick stories in the history of detective fiction' - Julian SymonsGraham and Joan Bendix have apparently succeeded in making that eighth wonder of the modern world, a happy marriage. And into the middle of it there drops, like a clap of thunder, a box of chocolates.Joan Bendix is killed by a poisoned box of liqueur chocolates that cannot have been intended for her to eat. The police investigation rapidly reaches a dead end. Chief Inspector Moresby calls on Roger Sheringham and his Crimes Circle - six amateur but intrepid detectives - to consider the case. The evidence is laid before the Circle and the members take it in turn to offer a solution. Each is more convincing than the last, slowly filling in the pieces of the puzzle, until the dazzling conclusion. This new edition includes an alternative ending by the Golden Age writer Christianna Brand, as well as a brand new solution devised specially for the British Library by the crime novelist and Golden Age expert Martin Edwards.

Review:

A classic that needs to be read. Highly recommended. --In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel

A story which plays around with reader expectations, frequently overturning them, but in a way which is pleasing to the reader. The way each solution seems to be overturned one after another has an impressive effect and makes you wonder if you will ever trust a solution given in a mystery novel ever again. --Cross-Examining Crime

The Poisoned Chocolates Case is a delightful read, witty, full of mischief and mocking the conventions of detective fiction. --Carol Westron (Promoting Crime Fiction)

About the Author:

ANTHONY BERKELEY was a pen name of Anthony Berkeley Cox (1893-1971), one of the most important figures in the history of British crime fiction. Many of his novels feature the amateur criminologist Roger Sheringham. As well as being the author of many classic detective stories, Berkeley was the founder of the prestigious Detection Club for the finest crime writers.