Crime critic Barry Turner has unveiled his final selection of favorite classic crime novels, offering readers a curated list in what he describes as his last batch of reviews. The chosen titles are "The Franchise Affair" by Josephine Tey, "Latter End" by Patricia Wentworth, and "The Puzzles of the Parish," an edited collection by Martin Edwards.
The Franchise Affair
Published in 1949, Josephine Tey's "The Franchise Affair" is highlighted for its exploration of how popular opinion can override rational judgment. The novel centers on a seemingly straightforward mystery where a teenager accuses a respectable mother and daughter of holding her captive. Tey's work is noted for its ability to subvert conventional mystery formulas. The book is available from the Mail Bookshop.
Latter End
Patricia Wentworth's "Latter End" is presented as an example of the author's often-underappreciated talent, drawing a comparison to Agatha Christie's Miss Marple by noting that Wentworth's detective, Miss Silver, has had more novels published but receives less recognition. The novel features an intricate plot involving the death of a wealthy landowner's wife from a morphine overdose. Miss Silver is called in to unravel the case, bringing clarity to the various lines of inquiry. The book is available from Hodder and the Mail Bookshop.
The Puzzles of the Parish
Edited by Martin Edwards, "The Puzzles of the Parish" is a collection of ecclesiastical crime tales that draws on the clergy's long-standing inspiration for mystery writers. The anthology begins with G. K. Chesterton's Father Brown solving a case of murder and religious deception. Edwards is credited with maintaining a high standard throughout the collection, featuring astute clerical detectives who uncover church treasures and deal with blackmailers. The volume includes works by established crime fiction authors such as Michael Gilbert and Edmund Crispin, alongside lesser-known but skilled contributors. This collection is also available from the Mail Bookshop.
