Ralph Leslie, a young doctor by professor, signs on as a private helper on a yacht. Soon the yacht is rocked with sensational triple axe-murders and Leslie is the only person who can inspire trust in the crew. But who is the killer? How will he get caught now? Excerpt: "The yacht Ella lay in the river not far from my hospital windows. She was not a yacht when I first saw her, nor at any time, technically, unless I use the word in the broad sense of a pleasure-boat. She was a two-master, and, when I saw her first, as dirty and disreputable as are most coasting-vessels. Her rejuvenation was the history of my convalescence. On the day she stood forth in her first coat of white paint, I exchanged my dressing-gown for clothing that, however loosely it hung, was still clothing. Her new sails marked my promotion to beefsteak, her brass rails and awnings my first independent excursion up and down the corridor outside my door, and, incidentally, my return to a collar and tie."

A suspicious cask arrives in London dock which when unloading slips and cracks open to reveal gold sovereigns. While the bystanders scramble to pick up the gold, the dock inspector finds a hand of a dead woman buried underneath. To his absolute bewilderment, the next day, the cask has disappeared! Now it is up to Inspector Burnley of Scotland Yard to solve the mystery of the cask as well as the murder of the woman.

Josephine Tey's 'The Franchise Affair' is a captivating mystery novel that delves into the intricacies of societal perceptions and justice. Tey's literary style, characterized by vivid imagery and meticulous attention to detail, immerses the reader in the post-war English countryside setting. The novel's exploration of the consequences of rumor-mongering and the power dynamics between individuals and the media adds to its depth and complexity within the mystery genre landscape. Tey's masterful storytelling and clever plot twists keep readers engaged until the final revelation. 'The Franchise Affair' stands out as a classic whodunit with a thought-provoking thematic undercurrent. Josephine Tey's sharp wit and keen observation skills shine through in this literary gem, making her a renowned figure in the mystery genre. Her background as a playwright and actress undoubtedly influenced her storytelling prowess and character development in 'The Franchise Affair.' Readers seeking a captivating mystery novel that challenges social norms and perceptions will find 'The Franchise Affair' a compelling read worth exploring.

The "unfortunate" and "coincidental" deaths of Rev. John Avery and a local village fellow do not excite any suspicion in locals until Inspector Pointer gets involved in the case! Excerpt: "The rector got up from his writing table and laying his pipe down, stood a moment as though collecting his thoughts. A distinguished-looking man of around forty was John Avery, with his tall spare figure, his clever, scholarly face. He was frowning as he absent-mindedly straightened a yellow china jar on the corner of the mantelshelf. Then he returned to his knee-hole table, and, taking an apple from a plate which always stood on the corner, began slowly to eat it, still with a look of abstraction on his face, still with some inner discomfort marking a frown on his fine forehead. The apple automatically disposed of, he drew out his watch and looked at it. Four o'clock. His sister-in-law would probably be in her own sitting-room."

For the rest of the world Nicolas Steele is a blackmailer, a burglar, a crook, linked with indefinite number of criminal deeds and actions, but for his valet, Steele is merely the master. After five years of service, Bigg offers his input in his master's endeavors and exploits, presenting his side of the truth, but not leaving out numerous astonishing facts and astounding details regarding Steel's criminal record. A Gentleman's Gentleman tell the is an action adventure mystery book assembled from certain pages from the life and strange adventures of Sir Nicolas Steele, as related by his valet Hildebrand Bigg.

Rose Charteris' dead body at the bottom of a sand pit let the onlookers believe that probably she died due to a freak accident… But Chief Inspector Pointer is deeply suspicious as there are many people who will directly benefit from her murder! Excerpt: "Cockburn thought that the colonel looked vexed. An old scar on his forehead blazed a bar of crimson. A sign of anger. Yet he could hardly be annoyed with the girls for knowing where the professor was. But already the colonel had puzzled him on the courts. Generally a fine player—to-day! Cockburn eyed him as he cut a cigar unevenly, and decided that something was up. It was not Colonel Scarlett's habit to chip a Corona like that. Nor to hold it so tightly that it leaked. Nor to smoke it at a pace which would turn it into an overheated cabbage stalk."

When the dead body of Sir William Ponson is found in a nearby river, he is presumed to have died due to drowning. But then the clues start pointing towards a gruesome murder. Now it is up to Inspector Tanner to find the owner of the mysterious footprints and prevent the estate from falling into the hands of Sir William's murderers.

Josephine Tey's novel, 'The Man in the Queue', is a masterpiece of the classic mystery genre, blending elements of suspense and psychological depth. Set in 1920s London, the story follows the investigation of a murder case at a theater, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Tey's writing style is both elegant and engaging, with a keen attention to detail that creates a vivid and immersive reading experience. The novel is a reflection of the Golden Age of detective fiction, with its focus on careful observation and logical deduction. Fans of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers will find much to enjoy in Tey's work. Josephine Tey, a pseudonym for Elizabeth Mackintosh, was a Scottish author known for her skillful plotting and character development. Her background in theater and her interest in psychology are evident in 'The Man in the Queue', as she explores complex motives and relationships among her characters. Tey's ability to create richly drawn and realistic personalities adds depth to the mystery at the heart of the novel. I highly recommend 'The Man in the Queue' to readers who appreciate a well-crafted and compelling mystery novel. Tey's writing is timeless, and this book is sure to captivate fans of the genre with its intricate plot and intriguing characters.

Richard is set to join a new law firm owned by his friend's (Eleanor's) father. Inevitably he is dragged into the murder mystery of Eleanor's fiancé Henry. With detective Burton in tow, Richard must find the clue that is hidden in plain sight as a "dead letter" in the post office! Excerpt: "I paused suddenly in my work. Over a year's experience in the Dead Letter office had given a mechanical rapidity to my movements in opening, noting and classifying the contents of the bundles before me; and, so far from there being any thing exciting to the curiosity, or interesting to the mind, in the employment, it was of the most monotonous character.Young ladies whose love letters have gone astray, evil men whose plans have been confided in writing to their confederates, may feel but little apprehension of the prying eyes of the Department; nothing attracts it but objects of material value—sentiment is below par; it gives attention only to such tangible interests as are represented by bank-bills, gold-pieces, checks, jewelry, miniatures, et cetera..."

A gift of an ornate Chinese chest ends up becoming the coffin of the receiver. Who killed him? And, why was his body put inside the same chest that was supposed to be exhibited in a party? Chief Inspector Pointer must solve the clues to this locked-room mystery and find the killer before it's too late! Excerpt: "Mr.Farrant to see you, sir, Very urgent.Mr. William Farrant." The private inquiry agent smoothed his forehead and nodded as he glanced at a calendar of social events which his clerk prepared for him daily. A moment later a young man was shown in. He was of big build, but moved with a step so noiseless that even now, when he came forward and shook Schofild's outstretched hand, no footfall could be heard, and the room had parquet flooring."