The main aim of detective stories is to entertain; but the best cast a light on human behaviour; and display both literary ambition and accomplishment. Even unpretentious detective stories; written for unashamedly commercial reasons; can give us clues to the past; and give us insight into a long-vanished world that; for all its imperfections; continues to fascinate.

This book; written by award-winning crime writer and president of the Detection Club; Martin Edwards; serves as a companion to the British Library's internationally acclaimed series of Crime Classics. Long-forgotten stories republished in the series have won a devoted new readership; with several titles entering the bestseller charts and sales outstripping those of highly acclaimed contemporary thrillers.

© 2019 Soundings (Audiobook): 9781407984377

Release date

Audiobook: 1 December 2019