James Ronald Stories of Crime & Detection

You wouldn't have thought she'd die as easily as that, would you?'Volume Two contains a novel, a novelette and a short story:Murder In the Family Stephen Osborne has lost his job and is worried about providing for his large family. He asks his wealthy sister for assistance, but Octavia Osborne is a most unpleasant person. She not only refuses to help but informs the family that she is writing them out of her will. Bad timing on her part; for while sitting in their drawing room awaiting her train home, someone strangles her. The police are convinced the murderer is a member of the Osborne household, and soon the whole town is in uproar. Murder in the Family was made into a 1938 film starring Jessica Tandy.The Monocled Man. Chicago gangster Pete Carponi and his partner 'Cincinnati Sadie' are transported to London in pursuit of a stolen diamond. A fast-moving, tongue-in-cheek mysteryThe Second Bottle This short story takes place in a US diner during a cold hard winter.JAMES JACK RONALD (1905-1972) was a prolific writer of pulp fiction, mystery stories and dramatic novels. Raised in Glasgow, Ronald moved to Chicago aged 17 to 'earn his fortune', later returning to the UK to pursue a writing career. His early works were serializations and short stories syndicated in newspapers and magazines around the world. Ronald wrote under a number of pseudonyms, including Michael Crombie, Kirk Wales, Peter Gale, Mark Ellison and Kenneth Streeter among others. Several books were adapted into films, including Murder in the Family (1938), The Witness Vanishes (1939), and The Suspect (1944).

The perfect murder must be so simple that no one would suspect it to be murder.'Stories of Crime and Detection Volume IIIcontains a novel, a novelette and a short story:This Way Out Philip Marshall is locked in a long and hellish marriage with his wife Cora, with divorce not an option. Cora delights in tormenting Philip, ready to pour bile in his ear at the slightest provocation; complaining of "his weaknesseshis failure as a money-makerhis deficiencies as a lover" to almost anyone who will listen. Home life is so unpleasant that their son John has moved out, telling his landlady he is an orphan. By chance, Philip meets young Mary Grey and finds the warmth and tenderness his life has missed. Longing for escape and a chance at redemption, Philip begins planning the perfect murder, but things do not go to plan... This Way Outwas the basis of the Charles Laughton movieThe Suspect(1944).Diamonds of Death A humorous 'pulp fiction' story that involves a stolen diamond necklace, American gangsters, murder and romance.Ruined by Water What happens when you mix a crooked bank clerk and a new reservoir?JAMES JACK RONALD (1905-1972) was a prolific writer of pulp fiction, mystery stories and dramatic novels. Raised in Glasgow, Ronald moved to Chicago aged 17 to 'earn his fortune', later returning to the UK to pursue a writing career. His early works were serializations and short stories syndicated in newspapers and magazines around the world. Ronald wrote under a number of pseudonyms, including Michael Crombie, Kirk Wales, Peter Gale, Mark Ellison and Kenneth Streeter among others. Several books were adapted into films, including Murder in the Family (1938), The Witness Vanishes (1939), and The Suspect (1944).

I didn't mean to kill him!'Stories of Crime & Detection Volume Six contains a full-length novel and a novelette.Cross Marks the Spot. Actress Cicely Foster is invited to movie mogul Jacob Singerman's flat to discuss a role in a 'talkie'. Singerman makes advances on Cicely and she fights him off, striking his head in a struggle. Reporter Julian Mendoza, 'the bloodhound of Fleet Street,' sees Cicely flee the building, and discovers the mogul murdered. Cicely's blood-spattered glove and opened purse are at the scene of the crime and he tracks her down. It looks bleak for Cicelybut for the small matter of the corpse having been found with a bullet between his eyes. Mendoza's investigation leads him to Colossal Pictures and the world-famous director Gustav Von Blon.The Sundial Drug Mystery During a stormy night, three actors are travelling to the Norwich Theatre when their car breaks down. They arrive outside a deserted mansion and force their way in. A series of mysterious events ratchet up the tension, and the trio become aware they have trespassed into a hornet's nest of mystery and intrigue.JAMES JACK RONALD (1905-1972) was a prolific writer of pulp fiction, mystery stories and dramatic novels. Raised in Glasgow, Ronald moved to Chicago aged seventeen to 'earn his fortune', later returning to the UK to pursue a writing career. His early works were serializations and short stories syndicated in newspapers and magazines around the world. Ronald wrote under a number of pseudonyms, including Michael Crombie, Kirk Wales, Peter Gale, Mark Ellison and Kenneth Streeter among others. Several books were adapted into films, including Murder in the Family (1938), The Witness Vanishes (1939), and The Suspect (1944).

When a person becomes news, his business is my business.'Stories of Crime & Detection Volume Seven contains a novel, a novelette and two short storiesDeath Croons the Blues. Burglar Bill Cuffy breaks into blues singer Adele Vale's apartment to steal her jewellery and cash, assuming she is at a night club performing. He stumbles across her dead body in the bathroom and is shocked to discover she has been brutally murdered. He flees the scene and ends up at reporter Julian Mendoza's home. Cuffy is one of several murder suspects that materialise as Mendoza sets out to uncover the truth about Adele Vale's life and discover her murderer.Angel Face Bookmaker Harry Kemp had received a terrific beating and the police knew angelic gangster Benny Cosmano was responsible, but there was no evidence proving his guilt. Julian Mendoza swears to seek justice for the victims of the race gangs and their protection rackets.The Other Mr. Marquis A character study of paranoiaThe Joke Twin brothers Simon and Jasper are more alike than even they realise.JAMES JACK RONALD (1905-1972) was a prolific writer of pulp fiction, mystery stories and dramatic novels. Raised in Glasgow, Ronald moved to Chicago aged seventeen to 'earn his fortune', later returning to the UK to pursue a writing career. His early works were serializations and short stories syndicated in newspapers and magazines around the world. Ronald wrote under a number of pseudonyms, including Michael Crombie, Kirk Wales, Peter Gale, Mark Ellison and Kenneth Streeter among others. Several books were adapted into films, including Murder in the Family (1938), The Witness Vanishes (1939), and The Suspect (1944).

Don't waste your pity on me. I haven't had your training in expensiveness, you know.'Stories of Crime & Detection Volume Ten contains two novellas and a short story.Counsel for the Defence A London pawnbroker is murdered and the police find a diamond necklace hidden under the floorboards. Morphine addict Arnold Hemingway is implicated, but claims he was meeting an old flame Lucy Hemmerde at the time of the killing. But Lucy has vanished into thin air, and the defence counsel must turn detective to find the real killer.The Awakening of Theodore Wrenn Thirty-six-year-old Theodore Wrenn leads a quiet existence working for elderly solicitors Gentry, Green and Gentry; but his life changes suddenly when his wealthy flamboyant cousin needs to recover some compromising letters. The ensuing hunt leads the diligent Wrenn on a series of adventures that bring love and danger.The Baby and the Gorilla After catching a local thug nicknamed 'the Gorilla', Seargent Kelly is in a reminiscent mood.JAMES JACK RONALD (1905-1972) was a prolific writer of pulp fiction, mystery stories and dramatic novels. Raised in Glasgow, Ronald moved to Chicago aged seventeen to 'earn his fortune', later returning to the UK to pursue a writing career. His early works were serializations and short stories syndicated in newspapers and magazines around the world. Ronald wrote under a number of pseudonyms, including Michael Crombie, Kirk Wales, Peter Gale, Mark Ellison and Kenneth Streeter among others. Several books were adapted into films, including Murder in the Family (1938), The Witness Vanishes (1939), and The Suspect (1944).

Eric is deadand I am certain his death was murder.'Stories of Crime & Detection Volume Eleven contains a novel and a novella.The Sealed Room Murder Eric Winter is murdered by his Uncle Godfrey, who has made it look like natural causes. The victim's sister Patricia suspects foul play and writes a letter to her brother's friend Alan. Godfrey learns of his niece's prying and tries to kill her, but Alan and reporter Larry Milner arrive in the nick of time. Milner is then determined to prove that Eric Winters death is murder and get the scoop of a lifetime. He turns amateur sleuth, but his efforts only lead to Godfrey increasing the stakes. Larry's detective work may prove deadly for all involved.The Secret of Hunters Keep This is a tongue-in-cheek adventure offering romance, murder and secret passages, following Scotland Yard detective Peter Wootton as he unravels a series of baffling events at Hunters Keep.JAMES JACK RONALD (1905-1972) was a prolific writer of pulp fiction, mystery stories and dramatic novels. Raised in Glasgow, Ronald moved to Chicago aged seventeen to 'earn his fortune', later returning to the UK to pursue a writing career. His early works were serializations and short stories syndicated in newspapers and magazines around the world. Ronald wrote under a number of pseudonyms, including Michael Crombie, Kirk Wales, Peter Gale, Mark Ellison and Kenneth Streeter among others. Several books were adapted into films, including Murder in the Family (1938), The Witness Vanishes (1939), and The Suspect (1944).

You've promised me a murder. Now go out and bring it in!'Stories of Crime & Detection Volume Eight contains a novel, a novelette and two short stories:Hard-Boiled Gangster Mike Flannery is out of jail and looking to expand his protection racket in West London. Crime reporter Julian Mendoza is on his trail, and must defend the owner of Kenley stadium from kidnapping, blackmail and murder.Hanging's Too Good Old Dan Riordan is worried about something and has asked reporter Julian Mendoza to meet him at the factory where he is night watchman. Nearing the building, Mendoza is held at gunpoint until an explosion blows up the factory. Vowing to avenge his friend, Julian must chase down a ruthless gang of thieves.The War Makers Julian Mendoza and Detective Inspector Howells work to uncover the truth about 'The Secret of World Power!'Partners in Crime A dysfunctional aristocratic family finds that some members are not willing to play by the rules.JAMES JACK RONALD (1905-1972) was a prolific writer of pulp fiction, mystery stories and dramatic novels. Raised in Glasgow, Ronald moved to Chicago aged seventeen to 'earn his fortune', later returning to the UK to pursue a writing career. His early works were serializations and short stories syndicated in newspapers and magazines around the world. Ronald wrote under a number of pseudonyms, including Michael Crombie, Kirk Wales, Peter Gale, Mark Ellison and Kenneth Streeter among others. Several books were adapted into films, including Murder in the Family (1938), The Witness Vanishes (1939), and The Suspect (1944).

If that ain't jest like life! King Kennedy goin' fifteen hundred miles t' git shot with his own gun.'Stories of Crime & Detection Volume Nine contains a novel and a novelette:Murder for Cash (The Fatal .45) When aged millionaire rancher King Kennedy is murdered in Chicago, his old friend Sleepy Gus Williams and Kennedy's son Dolf hunt the killers. They are soon identified as the well-known racketeers, Whispering Benny and The Carnation Kid, who will bump off anyone for money. But who inherits Kennedy's millions? The murder weapon, a Colt .45, is disposed of in the river after the shooting, but it harbours an important secret, and doesn't stay submerged for long. An inventive gangster thriller.The Man Who Made Monsters This pulp thriller tells a Fellinian horror story of kidnapping, plastic surgery and madness.JAMES JACK RONALD (1905-1972) was a prolific writer of pulp fiction, mystery stories and dramatic novels. Raised in Glasgow, Ronald moved to Chicago aged seventeen to 'earn his fortune', later returning to the UK to pursue a writing career. His early works were serializations and short stories syndicated in newspapers and magazines around the world. Ronald wrote under a number of pseudonyms, including Michael Crombie, Kirk Wales, Peter Gale, Mark Ellison and Kenneth Streeter among others. Several books were adapted into films, including Murder in the Family (1938), The Witness Vanishes (1939), and The Suspect (1944).