In a wild, bleak corner of the Kent Coast, a derelict harbour rots beneath the tides. Here the "Doll," a film-struck waif, and her lover, ex-movie star Tod Hafferty, play out their final, tragic, ill-fated, real-life roles. Sudden death strikes the players more than once, ultimately involving a member of the local police force. Then, as Dr. Morelle finds himself enmeshed in a network of sex and murder, Miss Frayle's anticipated quiet weekend results in her being drawn into a climactic twist. Can Dr. Morelle find a way to unmask the real killer? Another startling entry into this long-running British classic crime series!

On the plane from New York to London, Dr. Morelle chances to meet Edwin Gale, a smooth-tongued swindler. Inexplicably, Gale finds himself drawn to the famous psychiatrist-detective, and so begins one of Dr. Morelle's most intriguing cases. Back in London, the Doctor encounters Edwin Gale again, and, as a result, finds himself involved in the dark machinations of Dolores del Robia, who's as evil as she is lovely. When Dolores is found strangled to death, Dr. Morelle must investigate a maelstrom of violence to unmask the murderer... Another classic crime tale in this popular and long-running series!

Ian Laking is pathologically jealous of his beautiful wife, and obsessed with murder. His only hope lies in being treated by Dr. Morelle, the well-known psychiatrist and criminologist. Laking suspects his business associate, Duke Fenton, of being his wife's lover, and is plotting his revenge. Dr. Morelle and his secretary, Miss Frayle, become caught up in the ongoing drama of jealousy and revenge. When the plan fatally recoils upon Laking himself, will Dr. Morelle be able to unmask the murderer? Another spellbinding entry in this long-running British classic crime series!

First published in 2001. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Jimmy Strange is a mysterious young man who turns up when he is least expected. Whenever and wherever there is trouble, he appears from behind some dark corner. No one knows much about him, though he is always a gentleman. He is never short of money, but its source is unknown. One thing is certain -- he isn't a crook. Yet they say he can break into a house with the best of them...but always in a good cause...

"... and what a motive! Murder to save one's artistic soul... who'd believe that?" Behind the stage lights and word-perfect soliloquies, sinister secrets are lurking in the wings. The mysteries in this collection reveal the dark side to theatre and performing arts: a world of backstage dealings, where unscrupulous actors risk everything to land a starring role, costumed figures lead to mistaken identities, and on-stage deaths begin to look a little too convincing. . . This expertly curated thespian anthology features fourteen stories from giants of the classic crime genre such as Dorothy L. Sayers, Julian Symons and Ngaio Marsh, as well as firm favourites from the British Library Crime Classics series: Anthony Wynne, Christianna Brand, Bernard J. Farmer and many more. Mysteries abound when a player's fate hangs on a single performance, and opening night may very well be their last.