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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While the Detective Book Club is no longer active, its publications are cherished by collectors and enthusiasts of the genre.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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1962: Maigret Takes a Room, Sunday by George Simenon
$30.00Maigret Takes a Room, Sunday by George Simenon is a gripping detective novel, and the present copy was published by The Companion Book Club in London in 1962. Set in the atmospheric streets of Paris, the story follows the renowned detective, Maigret, as he investigates a mysterious murder that takes place in a small hotel room. Simenon’s masterful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they unravel the complex web of clues and suspects alongside the intuitive detective.
The present copy is tightly bound, in very good condition. Dustjacket is not price clipped.
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1963: The Ace of Spades: A Luis Mendoze Mystery, by Elizabeth Linington
$45.00The Ace of Spades: A Luis Mendoze Mystery, by Elizabeth Linington, is a mystery novel that follows the titular detective as he investigates a series of murders in Los Angeles. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, the novel delves into the seedy underbelly of the city and the complexities of the human psyche. As Mendoze delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit, betrayal, and greed, leading to a thrilling and unexpected conclusion. This book is a must-read for fans of classic detective fiction and offers a compelling portrayal of the time period.
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1981 Second Printing – Bennet #3: People in Glass Houses, by Elliott Lewis
$20.00People in Glass Houses by Elliott Lewis, a vintage paperback published by Pinnacle Books in 1981. This second printing edition is in almost new condition, with only a crease along the spine on the front cover. The book is tightly bound and has never been fully opened, indicating that it has never been read.
The plot of the book revolves around the lives of the characters in a glass house, exploring themes of transparency, vulnerability, and the consequences of hidden secrets.
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1990 First Edition: Three Blind Mice, by Ed McBain
$75.00Three Blind Mice by Ed McBain is a gripping crime thriller set in New York. Published in 1990 by Arcade Publishing, this first edition spans 233 pages and is presented in a black hardcover volume with a striking red spine. Both the dust jacket and book body are in mint condition, exhibiting a clean and tightly bound copy.
McBain’s masterful storytelling takes readers on a suspenseful journey as a series of murders unfold, leaving the detectives to unravel the truth behind the elusive killer.