Dr. Priestley
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The Paddington Mystery
by John Rhode
Part 1 of the Dr. Priestley series
After returning one night from a nightclub, Harold Merefield finds a man's dead body lying in his bed. He turns to Doctor Priestley, the father of his former fiancée April.
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The Paddington Mystery
by John Rhode
Part 1 of the Dr. Priestley series
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 the dead man or the cause of his death. At the inquest, the jury found a verdict of 'Death from Natural Causes' - perhaps they were right, but yet...? Harold determined to investigate the matter for himself and sought the help of Professor Priestley, who, by the simple but unusual method of logical reasoning, succeeded in throwing light upon what proved to be a very curious affair indeed. This Detective Club classic is introduced by crime writing historian and expert Tony Medawar, who looks at how John Rhode, who also wrote as Miles Burton and as Cecil Waye, became one of the best-selling and most popular British authors of the Golden Age.
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The Paddington Mystery. Dr. Priestley Mystery. Illustrated
by John Rhode
Part 1 of the Dr. Priestley series
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 approach to crime-solving. This illustrated edition enhances the immersive experience, bringing added depth to Rhode's atmospheric storytelling.
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The Paddington Mystery
by John Rhode
Part 1 of the Dr. Priestley series
A night of revelry ends with a perplexing death in the first novel featuring one of the greatest detectives of the Golden Age of Mystery.
In the early hours of a wintery morning, Harold Merefield returns home from a festive little party at The Naxos, a popular nightclub in Paddington. But just as he tries to get some much-needed sleep, he is startled by a gruesome discovery on his bed: a corpse.
There is no way to identify the dead man or the cause of his death. At the inquest, the jury rules it a "Death from Natural Causes." But even if they are correct, how did this unfortunate stranger meet his end in Harold's home?
Determined to uncover the whole truth, Harold seeks the help of Dr. Lancelot Priestley. A retired professor of applied mathematics, Dr. Priestley employs a simple but unusual method of logical reasoning to shed light on what proves to be a dark and exceedingly curious affair.
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Dr. Priestley's Quest. Dr. Priestley Mystery. Illustrated
by John Rhode
Part 2 of the Dr. Priestley series
Dr. Priestley's Quest by John Rhode introduces readers to Dr. Lancelot Priestley as he tackles one of his most challenging cases. The story begins with a mysterious disappearance, leading Priestley into a maze of deceit, hidden motives, and unexpected connections. Rhode combines suspense with scientific precision, highlighting Priestley's unique investigative approach and sharp intellect. As the mystery deepens, Priestley's meticulous methods reveal hidden clues that bring him closer to the truth, making this a classic detective tale filled with twists and a sophisticated narrative.
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The Ellerby Case
by John Rhode
Part 3 of the Dr. Priestley series
The Ellerby Case by John Rhode is a gripping Dr. Priestley mystery that weaves intrigue and deductive prowess. When a quiet village is shaken by a suspicious death, Dr. Priestley, a master of logical investigation, is called to uncover the truth. With his sharp wit and scientific methods, Priestley navigates through red herrings and unravels hidden motives. The case exposes local secrets and hidden tensions, highlighting Priestley's unique detective approach. Illustrated, this novel captures the suspense and atmosphere that define classic British mysteries.
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The Murders in Praed Street. Dr. Priestley Mystery
by John Rhode
Part 4 of the Dr. Priestley series
The Murders in Praed Street by John Rhode is a classic Dr. Priestley mystery that follows the analytical detective through the eerie streets of London as he tackles a perplexing case of murder and deception. When a series of suspicious deaths disturb the
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The Murders in Praed Street
by John Rhode
Part 4 of the Dr. Priestley series
The story revolves around the mysterious murder of Mr. James Tovey, a well-known greengrocer, followed by another death in the same area. The narrative introduces various characters, including Mr. Tovey's daughter Ivy, and the herbalist Mr. Elmer Ludgrove, who may play significant roles in the unfolding mystery. At the start of the novel, the setting is introduced through the dreary and neglected Praed Street, which serves as a backdrop for the unfolding drama. Mr. Tovey is depicted as a hardworking fruit merchant who enjoys a quiet life with his family until his daughter Ivy's friendship with young Ted Copperdock raises concerns. When Tovey is called to St. Martha's Hospital to identify an accident victim, he tragically becomes a victim himself, found murdered under mysterious circumstances. The narrative quickly draws the reader into the investigation, exploring the interconnections between the characters and the motivations behind the crimes, hinting that the bustling street hides darker secrets waiting to be uncovered.
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Tragedy at the Unicorn
by John Rhode
Part 5 of the Dr. Priestley series
Tragedy at the Unicorn by John Rhode delves into a mysterious and unsettling murder at a quiet English pub, The Unicorn. When a seemingly straightforward crime turns into a complex puzzle, Dr. Priestley, the renowned detective, is called upon to unravel a web of deceit, hidden motives, and secrets lurking beneath the surface of small-town life. Using his meticulous, scientific approach, Priestley follows obscure clues, making discoveries that reveal both the tragic and darkly ironic aspects of human nature. This illustrated edition enhances the atmospheric tension and rich character dynamics, offering fans of classic British mysteries a compelling read.
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Murder at Bratton Grange
by John Rhode
Part 6 of the Dr. Priestley series
Murder at Bratton Grange is a classic example of the ingenious plotting and scientific precision that defined John Rhode's contribution to the Golden Age of detective fiction. Featuring his celebrated sleuth Dr. Lancelot Priestley, this novel delivers a meticulously crafted murder mystery set against the backdrop of an English country estate steeped in secrets and shadows.
When a guest is found dead under suspicious circumstances at Bratton Grange, a quiet and respectable country house, local authorities are quick to suspect accident-or suicide. But when evidence begins to contradict appearances, Dr. Priestley is called in to apply his signature logic and methodical reasoning. What follows is an absorbing investigation involving a tangled web of motives, opportunities, and concealed identities.
Rhode, the pseudonym of Cecil John Charles Street, was a master of the "humdrum" detective novel-stories grounded in realism, technical detail, and credible procedures. Murder at Bratton Grange is no exception: it combines a traditional whodunit structure with keen psychological insight and a solution that satisfies both emotionally and intellectually.
Perfect for fans of Freeman Wills Crofts and R. Austin Freeman, this novel is a must-read for lovers of classic British crime. It's a compelling reminder that murder, even in the most respectable of places, often hides in plain sight-and that truth requires sharp eyes and sharper minds to uncover.
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The House on Tollard Ridge: A Dr Priestley Detective Novel
by John Rhode
Part 7 of the Dr. Priestley series
The House on Tollard Ridge is one of the early and most atmospheric mysteries featuring Dr. Lancelot Priestley, the brilliant and imperturbable armchair detective created by John Rhode (pseudonym of Cecil John Charles Street). A master of rational deduction, Priestley returns in this intricately plotted tale of murder, deception, and hidden motives beneath a veneer of rural peace.
The story begins with the death of a man in a remote house on Tollard Ridge, under circumstances that seem accidental-perhaps even natural. But as the facts emerge, inconsistencies appear, and quiet suspicions grow. Local authorities struggle to make sense of the evidence, and it soon becomes clear that the case demands more than routine investigation. Enter Dr. Priestley, whose cold logic and scientific detachment begin to reveal the sinister truth behind the quiet façade.
Rhode's hallmark is his realistic approach to detection: no melodrama, no flamboyant sleuthing-just careful analysis, credible methods, and an emphasis on motive and means. The House on Tollard Ridge exemplifies this "humdrum" style, praised by critics and fans of classic British mystery fiction alike.
This novel offers a satisfying puzzle, a vividly drawn English countryside setting, and a resolution that is both surprising and methodically sound. Perfect for admirers of Freeman Wills Crofts, R. Austin Freeman, and other champions of logical detective work, The House on Tollard Ridge is a golden-age gem well worth rediscovering.
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Dr. Priestley Investigates
by John Rhode
Part 8 of the Dr. Priestley series
Was it a tragic drunk-driving accident, or something more twisted? "You can never go far wrong with a Dr. Priestley story." -The New York Times
Superintendent King has concluded that the drunk driver with a dead body in his car was only guilty of manslaughter, not intentional murder. But Dr. Lancelot Priestley thinks there's more to the story-especially considering that the victim's estate, Pinehurst, has been plagued by burglaries of late.
As he applies his usual scientific rigor to the case, Priestley will be drawn into not one crime but many-and some of them date back years-in this classic British mystery.
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Peril at Cranbury Hall
by John Rhode
Part 9 of the Dr. Priestley series
An expert in alternative medicine is creating a clinic in Cranbury Hall that promises to cure fatigue, and Arnold Gilroy is happy to invest in this promising moneymaking venture.
Unfortunately, his brother Oliver has just finished a stint in prison for fraud-and has weaseled his way into running Cranbury Hall while pursuing some nefarious business on the side. Before long, he's been grazed by a bullet-and Dr. Lancelot Priestley will have to step in before the killer strikes again, with more success this time, in this Golden Age British mystery.
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Tragedy on the Line
by John Rhode
Part 11 of the Dr. Priestley series
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 matter of the missing documents, but he soon stumbles on something else entirely: evidence that the train was not the actual cause of death. It's up to him to deduce the facts behind this fatal so-called accident, in a compelling British mystery by a Golden Age master.
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The Claverton Mystery. Dr. Priestley Mystery. Illustrated
by John Rhode
Part 14 of the Dr. Priestley series
The Claverton Mystery by John Rhode is a gripping addition to the Dr. Priestley series, plunging the reader into a puzzle surrounding the death of an elderly man found under mysterious circumstances in the secluded village of Claverton. With the astute Dr. Priestley on the case, unexpected revelations surface about the victim's family, finances, and possible hidden motives. As Priestley unravels the clues with his scientific insight, the story weaves suspense, intrigue, and deduction in classic mystery fashion. The illustrated edition adds atmosphere, enhancing this engaging investigation.
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The Claverton Affair
by John Rhode
Part 14 of the Dr. Priestley series
First published in the US in 1933. Priestley goes to visit his friend Sir John Claverton at his gloomy house, and shortly afterwards hears that he has died. The dead man's doctor is not convinced it was a natural death, and evidence of poisoning emerges. There are several beneficiaries of the dead man's will.
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The Claverton Affair
by John Rhode
Part 14 of the Dr. Priestley series
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 and a mutual friend suspect that someone is slipping him arsenic.
But when Priestley discovers that Claverton has died just a week later and shares his concerns with the police, no trace of arsenic-or anything else untoward-is found during the autopsy. Still, the perceptive professor can't shake his sense that something isn't right, and Claverton's recently revised will only adds to the mystery . . .
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Dr. Priestley Lays a Trap
by John Rhode
Part 15 of the Dr. Priestley series
Dr. Priestley Lays a Trap, first published in 1933 (and also known by the title The Motor Rally Mystery), 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: The death of Lessingham and his companion, Purvis, was, indeed, a tragic affair; but an automobile accident, especially one occurring in a race, rarely arouses suspicion. Sergeant Showerby, however, was a conscientious soul. His duty was to investigate thoroughly and investigate he did, with results that were suspicious enough to arouse Inspector Hanslet of Scotland Yard and, through him, the great criminologist, Dr. Priestley.
At first, there is so little evidence that one cannot understand Dr. Priestley's interest in the case. Then, one by one, clues appear-not the ordinary clues which fall fortuitously in a detective's lap, but clues that are found because the Doctor, by his famous process of logical deduction, knows where to look for them. Gradually a pattern forms so diabolical in its simplicity and effectiveness that Dr. Priestley is forced to set a dramatic trap which very nearly ends the lives of both detective and criminal.
For sheer ingenuity of detective story mechanics, John Rhode has few equals and none of his many stories present a neater puzzle than this one, which will perplex all but the keenest detective fan.
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Dr. Priestley Lays a Trap
by John Rhode
Part 15 of the Dr. Priestley series
During an overnight thousand mile motor rally an accident to one of the cars leads to the death of the two occupants. The local police are far from convinced that everything is above board and call in Scotland Yard. Inspector Hanslet leads the case but the real work is done by the criminologist Priestley, who retraces the entire journey of care in order to solve the mystery.
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The Motor Rally Mystery. Dr. Priestley Mystery. Illustrated
by John Rhode
Part 15 of the Dr. Priestley series
The Motor Rally Mystery by John Rhode places Dr. Priestley in the world of competitive motor rallies, where a participant's sudden death raises suspicions of foul play. As Dr. Priestley investigates, he uncovers a labyrinth of motives and rivalries among
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The Venner Crime
by John Rhode
Part 16 of the Dr. Priestley series
The "astute and sharp-spoken" crime-solving professor must find out if a missing man got away with murder (The New York Times).
After some initial suspicion, the death of Ernest Venner's wealthy uncle was attributed to natural causes-a simple infection. But Dr. Lancelot Priestley and his crime-solving companions find it intriguing, to say the least, that as soon as Venner collected his much-needed inheritance, he vanished into the wind.
Digging into the disappearance, though, will lead Priestley to some dangerous places, in this suspenseful Golden Age mystery featuring the scientifically minded sleuth . . .
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The Venner Crime. Dr. Priestley Mystery. Illustrated
by John Rhode
Part 16 of the Dr. Priestley series
The Venner Crime by John Rhode is a thrilling installment in the Dr. Priestley mystery series, set in the realm of rural English suspense. When a prominent local man, Venner, is discovered dead under suspicious circumstances, Dr. Priestley steps in to unearth the truth. Known for his analytical approach, Priestley delves into motives, secrets, and unexpected relationships, piecing together the mystery through logical deduction. This illustrated edition brings added richness to the atmospheric world Rhode crafts, offering a vivid journey into this classic British detective mystery.
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The Robthorne Mystery
by John Rhode
Part 18 of the Dr. Priestley series
In The Robthorne Mystery, John Rhode presents a complex case for Dr. Priestley, who must unravel the circumstances surrounding a mysterious death in a quiet English village. When Harold Robthorne is found dead, the initial assumption is suicide, but soon, clues suggest a more sinister possibility. Dr. Priestley applies his characteristic analytical approach to investigate, uncovering hidden motives and deep-seated secrets within the community. Rhode's engaging narrative combines intricate puzzles with well-developed characters, making this installment a compelling mystery in the classic Dr. Priestley series.
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The Robthorne Mystery
by John Rhode
Part 18 of the Dr. Priestley series
The Robthorne Mystery, first published in 1934, 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.
When one of the Robthorne twins commits suicide, there is a question over which one it is and whether it was, in fact, suicide or murder. From the dustjacket: Dr. Priestley, well-known crime investigator, is called in to solve the mysterious death of Mr. Robthorne, who has been found shot in the greenhouse of his country estate. A chain of damning evidence that Dr. Priestley pieces so successfully together forms one of the finest examples of crime detection that Mr. John Rhode has yet produced.
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Murder at the Motor Show
by John Rhode
Part 21 of the Dr. Priestley series
Murder at the Motor Show first published in 1935 (published in the U.K. as Mystery at Olympia). A dense crowd surrounded the new Comet car that was fully expected to be the sensation of the great Motor Show at Olympia. Suddenly one of the eager spectators, an elderly man, lurched forward and collapsed in what appeared to be a dead faint on the ground. But Nigel Pershore was dead, and it was his death that provided the real sensation of the show. A post-mortem examination revealed no visible wound, no serious organic disorder, no evidence of poison. Doctors and detectives were equally baffled. Every chapter unfolds a new aspect of an apparently insoluble puzzle. Then a fortunate discovery opens the way for Dr. Priestley's unrivaled deductions and a solution of the mystery that brings to a close a brilliant story.
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Mystery at Olympia
by John Rhode
Part 21 of the Dr. Priestley series
The next time you visit Olympia, take a good look around and see if you think it would be possible to murder someone in the middle of the crowd there without being seen.
The new Comet was fully expected to be the sensation of the annual Motor Show at Olympia. Suddenly, in the middle of the dense crowd of eager spectators, an elderly man lurched forward and collapsed in a dead faint. But Nahum Pershore had not fainted. He was dead, and it was his death that was to provide the real sensation of the show.
A post-mortem revealed no visible wound, no serious organic disorder, no evidence of poison. Doctors and detectives were equally baffled, and the more they investigated, the more insoluble the puzzle became. Even Dr Lancelot Priestley's un-rivalled powers of deduction were struggling to solve this case.
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Mystery at Olympia
by John Rhode
Part 22 of the Dr. Priestley series
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, Dr. Priestley navigates a series of twists and hidden motives, leading him to a revelation that shocks even the seasoned detective.
John Rhode crafts a gripping narrative that combines suspense with detailed observation, placing readers in the middle of a vividly described setting and intricate mystery. Mystery at Olympia showcases Rhode's skill in building tension and creating complex plots, making it a fascinating entry in the Dr. Priestley series for fans of classic detective fiction.
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Death at Breakfast
by John Rhode
Part 23 of the Dr. Priestley series
In Death at Breakfast, John Rhode presents another thrilling Dr. Priestley mystery that unfolds within a seemingly ordinary setting-a country house where an unexpected tragedy occurs. The story begins with the peculiar death of Victor Harleston, a wealthy businessman, who is found dead at the breakfast table under circumstances that defy explanation. Initially thought to be a sudden, natural death, closer inspection by Dr. Priestley reveals signs that hint at something more sinister. The clues are subtle, and the suspects numerous, each with potential motives buried beneath polite facades.
Dr. Priestley, with his keen observational skills and methodical approach, begins piecing together the puzzle. Rhode meticulously details the investigation, revealing secrets and hidden tensions among the household members and guests. The plot is rich with misdirection, leading both the reader and the detective through a series of red herrings and false leads that only increase the suspense.
As the investigation progresses, Dr. Priestley's logical deductions and scientific methods gradually bring him closer to the truth. With characteristic wit and intelligence, he uncovers not only the method behind the murder but also the tangled web of relationships and grudges that motivated it. Death at Breakfast is a masterful blend of suspense, psychological insight, and classic detective work that showcases Rhode's skill in crafting intricate plots. This novel remains a delightful choice for fans of British Golden Age mysteries and those who enjoy watching an unassuming yet brilliant detective solve a case with both intellect and tenacity.
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Death at Breakfast
by John Rhode
Part 23 of the Dr. Priestley series
A classic winter's crime novel by one of the most highly regarded exponents of the genre. Victor Harleston awoke with uncharacteristic optimism. Today he would be rich at last. Half an hour later, he gulped down his breakfast coffee and pitched to the floor, gasping and twitching. When the doctor arrived, he recognized instantly that it was a fatal case of poisoning and called in Scotland Yard. Despite an almost complete absence of clues, the circumstances were so suspicious that Inspector Hanslet soon referred the evidence to his friend and mentor, Dr. Lancelot Priestley, whose deductions revealed a diabolically ingenious murder that would require equally fiendish ingenuity to solve.
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In Face of the Verdict
by John Rhode
Part 24 of the Dr. Priestley series
In Face of the Verdict by John Rhode is a gripping Dr. Priestley mystery that unravels a complex murder case shrouded in conflicting testimonies and hidden motives. The story begins with a seemingly straightforward crime: a man is found dead under unusual circumstances, and the initial verdict points to foul play. However, as Dr. Priestley begins his investigation, he discovers that appearances can be deceiving. Evidence is scarce, and those involved are evasive, each with secrets to hide.
Dr. Priestley's methodical approach to solving crimes shines as he pieces together small, often-overlooked details. His reliance on logical reasoning and scientific principles reveals subtle clues that point to a surprising truth. Rhode skillfully leads the reader through a maze of suspects, each with plausible motives, creating a narrative rich with suspense and unexpected twists. The tension builds as Dr. Priestley challenges the initial conclusions, exposing underlying motives and unraveling a cleverly orchestrated scheme that misled the original investigation.
As the case progresses, the seasoned detective's persistence sheds light on not only the crime but also the complex human emotions driving those involved. Rhode's expert storytelling provides both a captivating mystery and an insightful exploration of human nature, making In Face of the Verdict a standout in the Dr. Priestley series. This novel is a must-read for fans of classic mysteries, showcasing the author's talent for crafting intricate plots and memorable characters.
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In the Face of the Verdict
by John Rhode
Part 24 of the Dr. Priestley series
After the inquest that the death of Major Walter Bedworthy was an accident due to drowning, his friend summons in Priestley due to his belief that it was in fact murder. This proves to be the case when the dead man's brother is also found drowned a few days later. Assisted by Superintendent Hanslet and Inspector Waghorn of Scotland Yard, Priestley sets out to unmask the cunning killer.
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The Harvest Murder
by John Rhode
Part 25 of the Dr. Priestley series
The novel takes place in rural Kent during the hop-picking season. A burglary takes place and the complex circumstances surrounding it led to Sergeant Wragge of the local force calling in Scotland Yard. It is only through the deductions of Priestley, however, that it is realised that his is a case of murder.
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The Harvest Murder
by John Rhode
Part 25 of the Dr. Priestley series
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 to take care of it himself. After all, a twelve-inch butcher knife is nothing to be left loose on a public highway. When he noticed those curious stains on the blade, his suspicions were more than aroused and he felt that he must be ready for trouble. The Sergeant's forebodings were swiftly corroborated by the events that followed-robbery, a mysterious disappearance, perhaps murder; so he felt that he was justified in demanding the aid of Scotland Yard. The careful investigations of Inspector Hanslet and Jimmy Waghorn soon had them on the right track; but it was Dr. Priestley's quiet, seemingly enigmatic suggestion that finally unearthed the solution.
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Death Sits on the Board
by John Rhode
Part 26 of the Dr. Priestley series
At his residence in Beckenham in Kent on the outskirts of London, Sir Andrew Wiggenhall the chairman of the board of directors of a large firm of ironmongers is killed by an explosion that largely wrecks the house. Investigating officer Superintendent Hanslet is not convinced his death was an accident, particularly when another member of the firm's board is found dead. With the help of Priestley he sets out to solve the mysterious incidents that have left the remaining members of the board.
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Death Sits on the Board
by John Rhode
Part 26 of the Dr. Priestley series
Death Sits on the Board, first published in 1937 (and published in the UK as Death on the Board) 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. In Death Sits on the Board, the story involves the mysterious deaths of five members of the board of directors for Porslin, Ltd., which deals in "iron-mongery (hardware) of every description." Dr. Priestley is called in to investigate, and after a series of clever deductions and discovering a number of clues, he unearths the secret behind the deaths.
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Body Unidentified
by John Rhode
Part 27 of the Dr. Priestley series
Mr. Wedgwood was puzzled. It was odd, he thought, as he looked from his bedroom window, that someone should leave a large closed car in the middle of his front yard, but what confused him even more was the shimmering brilliance it seemed to assume as the sun rose higher. Suddenly the unpleasant truth burst upon him with a shock. It was not a car at all. It was a hearse! Jimmy Waghorn first followed the grisly trail from the abandoned hearse to the "thing" in the tar boiler, and as luck would have it, on that same day Inspector Hanslet finally stumbled on a really substantial clue to the Patton jewel robbery. But only after Dr. Priestley made his seemingly enigmatic suggestion did it occur to either one that the two crimes could possibly be related. Author John Rhode with his usual ingenuity and scrupulous care has worked two apparently diverse crimes into a fascinating pattern of mystery and intrigue.
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Invisible Weapons
by John Rhode
Part 28 of the Dr. Priestley series
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 and Inspector Waghorn brought no answer and the case was dropped. It was only after another equally baffling murder had been committed that Dr. Lancelot Priestley's orderly and imaginative deductions began to make the connections that would solve this extraordinary case.
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The Bloody Tower
by John Rhode
Part 29 of the Dr. Priestley series
The crumbling Farningcote Priory has been the home of the Glapthorne family for generations. In the grounds stand a tower, built as a folly during the eighteenth century which seems to have a strange, almost mystical power over the family. When Caleb Clapthorne is killed in what at first appears to be a shooting accident, it soon proves to be murder. Yet Inspector Waghorn, in the area on the trail of a gang of thieves but called in to assist, fails to find any obvious motive. In the end he turns to Priestley to track down the vital clues.
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Death on the Boat Train
by John Rhode
Part 32 of the Dr. Priestley series
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 of Jethou rolled a bit in the stiff southwesterly breeze. But the rough crossing didn't upset the mysterious passenger who had locked himself into his cabin as soon as he boarded the boat at Guernsey. The same desire for seclusion had manifested itself on the boat train to Waterloo, for the guard had been presented with a pound note to reserve a compartment for Mr. Mystery. But did he travel alone? For at Waterloo the gentleman from Guernsey was a pretty genuine corpse. Death on the Boat Train is a first-rate detective story, once again featuring the coldly clever scientific mind of Dr. Priestley, John Rhode's brilliant creation.
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Death on the Boat Train
by John Rhode
Part 32 of the Dr. Priestley series
A passenger in a private compartment on the boat train from Southampton to London Waterloo is found dead with a needle puncture in is back. He had travelled on Guernsey on a channel steamer but investigating officers are hard-pressed to find either a motive or an opportunity for the killing.
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Murder At Lilac Cottage
by John Rhode
Part 33 of the Dr. Priestley series
In a largely peaceful village in England during the early stages of the Second World War the body of the young man who owns Lilac Cottage is found dead. The only clue that the investigating officers of Scotland Yard can find is a five pound note, but it lures Priestley to the trail. A second murder takes place nearby soon afterwards, puzzling to most, but to Priestley it confirms the theory he is already developing.
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Vegetable Duck
by John Rhode
Part 40 of the Dr. Priestley series
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.
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Death in Harley Street
by John Rhode
Part 43 of the Dr. Priestley series
Dr. Richard Mawsley was a happy man and a careful man. So how and why did the Harley Street specialist inject himself with strychnine while in his locked office? There's no hint that anyone else was at the scene, and the guests at Dr. Lancelot Priestley's weekly dinner party, including two from Scotland Yard, are determined to figure out what happened.
Did he suddenly become despondent, or pick up the wrong bottle? This band of crime-solvers is puzzled indeed, and Priestley is left to wonder if there's another possibility beyond accident, murder, or suicide . . .
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Nothing but the Truth
by John Rhode
Part 44 of the Dr. Priestley series
The wealthy Henry Watlington mysteriously disappears after an evening out, after his chauffeur is too drunk to drive him home, and shortly afterwards his body is found hidden in an AA Phone box by the side of the road. Jimmy Waghorn is assigned to the case and with clues from Priestley is able to crack the mystery.
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Death of an Author
by John Rhode
Part 45 of the Dr. Priestley series
Nigel Ebbfleet, an author who after many years of effort has finally produced a successful book, settles down to live in a country cottage brought by the royalties of his hit work. However, his rural peace is shattered when he is killed in an explosion while chopping wood. Superintendent Jimmy Waghorn of Scotland Yard's investigation established that Ebbfleet was well-liked and no obvious motive is clear. But with a second murder and its accompanying alibis, and a rather gruesome and sensationalistic third murder, the plot thickens. With some assistance from Priestley, Waghorn is eventually able to solve the mystery.
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Blackthorn House
by John Rhode
Part 48 of the Dr. Priestley series
A man's car is impounded as a stolen vehicle-but that's not the worst of it-in this classic British mystery starring a "tartly logical professor" (The New York Times).
Kenneth Winslow's company has sold a car to his nephew, Noel Yewdale, who's supposed to transport the large, locked chest in it. But before he can get the job done, the police seize the car-saying they think it's stolen.
When the cops confirm he won't get the car back, he's out of luck-but at least they're willing to help him carry the heavy chest out of the garage where the vehicle has been stored. Unfortunately, Yewdale has an even bigger problem when they pry the chest open to find out why it smells so bad-his uncle's body is stuffed inside. Superintendent Waghorn will do his best to solve the crime, but he may need some help from Dr. Lancelot Priestley to put the puzzle pieces together . . .
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The Fatal Garden
by John Rhode
Part 49 of the Dr. Priestley series
The Fatal Garden, first published in 1949, is book no. 49 in the series of mysteries featuring private detective Dr. Priestley and Scotland Yard's Superintendent 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: "Yes, the initial murder in this book was certainly committed on a path in a garden; but it is possible that the ingenious author chose this title to suggest his manner of dealing with his readers. For, though always perfectly fair and with a soul above such things as "red herrings," he can usually be found to have some little surprises up his sleeve. Such, for instance, in this book is the mystery of the Bedford Row solicitor..."
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Dr. Goodwood's Locum
by John Rhode
Part 52 of the Dr. Priestley series
In the market town of Patham, Doctor Greenwood takes his annual August holiday with his wife and hires a locum to take over the practice while he is away. But his replacement Stephen Thornhill goes missing after just a few days, and when a body is discovered Scotland Yard are called in to investigate with the assistance of Priestley.