Close Quarters by Michael Gilbert (1947)

The Dean of Melchester Cathedral is of course concerned when he learns that he is not the only resident of the cathedral Close to receive an anonymous letter accusing the senior verger Daniel Appledown of misconduct. Luckily, he has a nephew who works in the C. I. D., and who can investigate on the quiet …

Death Has Deep Roots by Michael Gilbert introduction by Martin Edwards

For years after the war Victoria Lamartine sought Major Eric Thoseby, whom she had known while both worked as part of the French Resistance. Now she stands accused of his murder. Means – he was stabbed through the heart using a technique employed by members of the Resistance, and the knife carries her prints. Motive …

Smallbone Deceased by Michael Gilbert

The London legal firm of Horniman, Birley, and Craine needs to find Marcus Smallbone in order to clear up some legal matters following the death of Abel Horniman, one of the firm’s partners. But when they do find him, it is in their own offices, and he is stuffed into the hermetically-sealed deed box for …

Death in Captivity by Michael Gilbert

Set in a Prisoner of War camp for British officers, Death in Captivity opens with the discovery of one of the prisoners dead in an escape tunnel. Accident or Murder? And when one of the prisoners is arrested for murder by their Italian captures it is left to Captain “Cuckoo” Goyles to discover the truth.  …