John Rhode

A special release of the very first crime novel by John Rhode, introducing Dr. Priestley, the genius detective who would go on to appear in more than 70 bestselling crime novels during the Golden Age. When Harold Merefield returned home in the early hours of a winter morning from a festive little party at that popular nightclub, the 'Naxos', he was startled by a gruesome discovery. On his bed was a corpse. There was nothing to show the identity of...

In Mystery at Olympia, Dr. Priestley faces an intricate puzzle set in the bustling atmosphere of London's Olympia Exhibition Hall. When a man is mysteriously found dead among the crowd, the initial investigation by the police points to natural causes. However, as Dr. Priestley delves deeper into the case, he suspects foul play and uncovers subtle clues that challenge the straightforward explanation. Known for his logical mind and unconventional approach,...

A scientifically minded professor is stumped by a case involving séances and an inexplicable inheritance . . . After drifting apart from Sir John Claverton, Dr. Lancelot Priestley is finally visiting his old friend for dinner. But Claverton's situation is worrying. He's surrounded by relatives, among them a sister who speaks to the dead-but not to him-and a niece who may or may not be a qualified nurse. Based on Claverton's odd behavior, Priestley...

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...

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...

The Harvest Murder, first published in 1937 (and also published under the title Death in the Hop Fields) is part of the series of mysteries featuring private detective Dr. Priestley. 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: Sergeant Wragge happened to see it there, lying by the side of the road, and decided...

A classic crime novel by one of the most highly regarded exponents of the genre. The murder of old Mr. Fransham while washing his hands in his niece's cloakroom was one of the most astounding problems that ever confronted Scotland Yard. Not only was there a policeman in the house at the time, but there was an ugly wound in the victim's forehead and nothing in the locked room that could have inflicted it. The combined efforts of Superintendent Hanslet...

The Paddington Mystery by John Rhode is a classic detective story featuring Dr. Lancelot Priestley, a logical and methodical investigator known for his keen problem-solving skills. The story begins with a puzzling death that unfolds into a complex case involving mysterious clues, hidden motives, and unexpected connections. Set against the backdrop of 1930s London, the narrative combines intrigue and suspense, showcasing Dr. Priestley's analytical...

At the London service flat where she lives with her husband, dies after eating a meal which later analysis shows was infused with digitalis. Scotland Yard at first suspect her husband, who had been called away by a telephone call of murdering her. However, with the assistance of Priestley, the investigating officer is able to prove this is a long-premeditated crime by someone else.

A body on the tracks and a pair of missing wills have Dr. Priestley puzzled . . . Gervase Wickenden's estate is close to a railroad line-and that's where his mangled body is found after an unfortunate meeting with a train. The timing is a bit odd though, considering this happened only two days after Wickenden changed his will. And now, neither version of the will can be located . . . The heirs ask Dr. Lancelot Priestley to look into the...