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Set of Two Detective Book Club volumes: Eberhart, James, Allbeury, Johnston, Ferrars, Simenon
$80.00The Detective Book Club, produced by Walter J. Black, Inc., was a popular series that provided readers with a steady supply of mystery and detective novels. Launched in the 1940s, this book club was known for publishing condensed versions of three mystery novels in a single volume, offering readers a variety of crime and detective stories in a convenient format. These compilations were typically hardcover books, making them durable and collectible.
Walter J. Black, Inc. was a publishing firm that specialized in producing book series and book club editions, and the Detective Book Club was one of their most popular offerings. The club operated similarly to other book clubs of the time, where subscribers would receive new books periodically. This model of distribution was particularly appealing to avid readers of mystery and detective genres, as it ensured a regular and diverse stream of content.
The books selected for the Detective Book Club covered a broad range of mystery and detective stories, from classic whodunits and police procedurals to thrillers and noir fiction. These selections often included works by well-known authors in the genre, as well as introducing readers to emerging writers. The club played a significant role in popularizing mystery and detective novels among the American reading public.
While the Detective Book Club is no longer active, its publications are cherished by collectors and enthusiasts of the genre. The club’s format of combining multiple novels in one volume was innovative for its time and provided a unique way for readers to discover a wide array of mystery and detective stories. The Detective Book Club series remains a notable part of the history of mystery literature publishing.
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1980 Signed First Edition: Who Stole Kathy Young? by Margaret Goff Clark
$135.00Who Stole Kathy Young? by Margaret Goff Clark is a mystery novel published in 1980. The story revolves around the disappearance of a young girl named Kathy Young and the subsequent investigation to find her. The book is written in a classic whodunit style, with multiple suspects and twists and turns throughout the plot. The first edition of the book is signed by the author and is in excellent condition, making it a valuable collectible for fans of the genre.
Who Stole Kathy Young? is a gripping and well-written mystery novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The author’s attention to detail and skillful character development make for a compelling and engaging read. Fans of classic mystery novels will appreciate the book’s intricate plot and clever twists, while those new to the genre will find it to be an excellent introduction to the world of mystery fiction. With its rare first edition signed by the author, this book is a must-have for collectors and fans alike.
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1988 First Edition: A Victim Must Be Found, A Benny Cooperman Mystery, by Howard Engel
$135.00A Victim Must Be Found is a gripping mystery novel by Howard Engel featuring his beloved detective Benny Cooperman. Set in Canada, the story follows Benny as he investigates the disappearance of a young woman named Linda. The case becomes increasingly complex as Benny uncovers a web of secrets and lies, and he must use all his skills to solve the mystery before it’s too late.
Engel’s writing is masterful, drawing the reader into the story with vivid descriptions and well-crafted characters. The tension builds steadily throughout the book, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat until the final reveal. A Victim Must Be Found is a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense, and a testament to Engel’s skill as a writer.
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1992 First Edition: China Lake, by Anthony Hyde
$45.00China Lake by Anthony Hyde is a gripping thriller that follows the story of a photojournalist, John Wells, who stumbles upon a conspiracy involving the U.S. Navy and a top-secret military base in California’s Mojave Desert. As Wells delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a sinister plot involving mind control experiments and a dangerous cult. Along the way, he must confront his own past and the demons that haunt him.
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War and the Vietnam War, China Lake is a fast-paced and suspenseful novel that explores themes of power, corruption, and redemption. With its vivid descriptions of the California desert and its well-drawn characters, the book is a must-read for fans of the thriller genre.
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1969: Maigret and the Killer, by Georges Simenon
$45.00Maigret and the Killer is a crime fiction novel by Georges Simenon, first published in 1969. The book follows the story of Chief Inspector Maigret, who is tasked with investigating a series of murders in Paris. As he delves deeper into the case, Maigret finds himself drawn into a web of deceit and betrayal, and must use all his skills to uncover the truth behind the killings.
Simenon’s writing is known for its atmospheric descriptions of Paris, and Maigret and the Killer is no exception. The book captures the gritty, noirish feel of the city in the late 1960s, and is full of vivid characters and unexpected twists. Fans of classic crime fiction will enjoy this gripping tale of murder and intrigue, which is sure to keep them guessing until the very end.
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1989 first trade edition: The Killing Man, by Mike Hammer (Mikey Spillane)
$85.00The Killing Man is a crime fiction novel written by the renowned author, Mikey Spillane, under the pseudonym Mike Hammer. The story follows the protagonist, Mike Hammer, a private investigator, as he investigates a series of murders that seem to be linked to a notorious criminal organization. Along the way, Hammer encounters various obstacles and challenges, including corrupt law enforcement officials and dangerous criminals. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens to unravel his investigation and put his life in danger.
The novel is a classic example of the hard-boiled detective genre, characterized by its gritty realism, tough-talking protagonists, and intricate plots. Spillane’s writing style is fast-paced and action-packed, with vivid descriptions of violence and suspenseful scenes that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
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1999 uncorrected proof: McNally’s Dilemma, by Lawrence Sanders Limited edition
$85.00McNally’s Dilemma by Lawrence Sanders is a mystery novel that follows the story of Archy McNally, a private investigator who works for his father’s law firm in Palm Beach, Florida. The novel begins with Archy being hired by a wealthy widow to retrieve a stolen painting that holds sentimental value. However, things take a dark turn when the widow is found dead and Archy becomes the prime suspect in her murder. As he tries to clear his name and solve the case, Archy uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens to destroy the wealthy elite of Palm Beach.
Lawrence Sanders’ McNally’s Dilemma is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The uncorrected proof edition, with its yellow softcover and black lettering, is a rare and valuable find for collectors.
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1996: Alias Grace, by Margaret Atwood
$65.00Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Grace Marks, a young Irish immigrant who was convicted of murder in Canada in 1843. The novel is based on a true story and explores themes of memory, identity, and the nature of truth. The story is told from the perspectives of Grace and a young doctor who is trying to uncover the truth about the murders. As the doctor delves deeper into Grace’s past, he begins to question whether she is truly guilty or if she has been wrongly accused. The novel is a masterful blend of fact and fiction, and Atwood’s writing is both beautiful and haunting.
This early edition of Alias Grace is in excellent condition, with a beige hardcover and impressed ornamentation. The book is tightly bound and very clean, although the front blank paper is missing.
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1949: A Graveyard to Let, Another Adventure of Sir Henry Merrivale, by Carter Dickson (John Dickson Carr)
$45.00A Graveyard to Let is a mystery novel by Carter Dickson (John Dickson Carr) that follows the adventures of Sir Henry Merrivale. The story takes place in a small village in England, where a group of people gather to investigate a haunted graveyard. However, things take a sinister turn when a murder occurs, and Sir Henry Merrivale is called upon to solve the case. The novel is full of twists and turns, and the reader is kept guessing until the very end.
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1968 First Edition – So Young to Burn: a Superintendent West Story, by John Creasey
$60.00So Young to Burn is a crime fiction novel written by John Creasey and published in 1968. The book features Superintendent West, a recurring character in Creasey’s novels, who is tasked with solving a murder case involving a young woman. The story takes place in London and follows Superintendent West as he navigates through the city’s seedy underworld to find the killer. Along the way, he encounters various suspects and witnesses, each with their own secrets and motives.
The book is a classic example of the crime fiction genre, with a gripping plot, well-developed characters, and a twist ending. Creasey’s writing style is concise and engaging, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
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1984 The Will of the Tribe: An Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte Mystery, by Arthur W. Upfield, First Paperback Edition
$45.00The Will of the Tribe is a gripping murder mystery novel by Arthur W. Upfield, featuring Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte as the lead character. Set in the Australian outback, the story follows Inspector Bonaparte as he investigates the brutal murder of a wealthy cattle rancher. The case takes him on a dangerous journey through the rugged terrain of the outback, as he uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal. With his sharp wit and analytical mind, Bonaparte must navigate through the complex social dynamics of the local tribe, who may hold the key to solving the case.
Upfield’s vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape and his insightful portrayal of the indigenous culture make this book a fascinating read. The Will of the Tribe is a masterful blend of mystery, adventure, and cultural commentary, and is a must-read for fans of crime fiction.
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1967, 2nd Printing: Manitoulin Manhunt, by Fred Swayze
$35.00Manitoulin Manhunt, by Fred Swayze, is a Canadian fiction novel published in 1967. The story follows the protagonist, Bill, as he embarks on a manhunt on Manitoulin Island in Ontario. Bill is a conservation officer who is tasked with finding a dangerous criminal who has escaped from prison and is hiding on the island. As Bill navigates the rugged terrain and encounters various obstacles, he must also grapple with his own inner demons and past traumas.
The novel is a thrilling adventure that showcases the beauty and harshness of the Canadian wilderness. Swayze’s vivid descriptions of the landscape and the characters’ actions make for a gripping read. Manitoulin Manhunt also touches on themes of redemption and forgiveness, as Bill confronts his own mistakes and learns to let go of his past.