Secondhand Crime Fiction & Thriller Bargain Book Box DSH1032

Secondhand Crime Fiction & Thriller Bargain Book Box

This extensive collection of twenty-four books offers a masterclass in classic crime, espionage, and thriller writing. The box features a stellar lineup of iconic Penguin Crime editions, including early George Smiley novels by John le Carré and the hardboiled noir of Raymond Chandler. Alongside five pulp thrillers from the prolific Edgar Wallace, readers will find the definitive locked-room mystery by John Dickson Carr and the explosive debut of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher. From the foggy streets of London to the frozen decks of a Soviet trawler, this set covers the full spectrum of mystery fiction’s golden and modern ages. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. Room 13 by Edgar Wallace This classic thriller centers on the mysterious activities of a counterfeiting gang operating out of a formidable house. Johnny Gray, a young man wrongfully imprisoned, seeks to clear his name and expose the true criminals upon his release. The story combines Wallace’s signature fast-paced plotting with a tale of revenge and underworld intrigue.

2. The Avenger by Edgar Wallace A vigilante known only as "The Avenger" is taking the law into his own hands, executing criminals who have escaped justice. The hunt for his identity leads to a film studio where a mysterious box might hold the key to the murders. Wallace weaves a complex web of mistaken identities and suspense in this popular pulp mystery.

3. The Forger by Edgar Wallace Peter Clifton appears to be a wealthy and respectable man, but he is plagued by a secret past and a suspicion that he may be a brilliant forger. As his mental state deteriorates, his wife and a shrewd psychiatrist must determine if he is a criminal genius or a victim of a conspiracy. The novel explores themes of madness and identity within a gripping crime narrative.

4. Big Foot by Edgar Wallace A tramp known as "Big Foot" becomes the unlikely center of a murder investigation involving a wealthy American and a missing woman. The plot moves rapidly between high society and the vagrant community, connecting seemingly unrelated events. It showcases Wallace’s ability to create memorable, eccentric characters and intricate puzzles.

5. The Black Abbot by Edgar Wallace Rumors of a ghostly figure haunting the ruins of Fossaway Manor terrify the locals and protect a legendary hidden treasure. As various parties descend on the estate to find the gold, they are picked off by the mysterious "Black Abbot." The book blends elements of the gothic ghost story with a traditional treasure hunt thriller.

6. The Scarlet Letters by Ellery Queen Dirk Lawrence is a man consumed by jealousy, convinced that his wife Martha is having an affair with the actor Van Harrison. When Harrison is found murdered, leaving a cryptic clue written in his own blood, Ellery Queen must decipher the meaning of the scarlet letters "XY." It is a psychological puzzle that challenges the detective’s deductive powers.

7. The Egyptian Cross Mystery by Ellery Queen A schoolmaster is found crucified on a T-shaped cross, initiating a series of gruesome, ritualistic murders across the country. Ellery Queen pursues a religious fanatic who marks his victims with the same ancient symbol. The novel is dark and atmospheric, leading to a dramatic chase and a surprising revelation of the killer's motive.

8. The Quiller Memorandum by Adam Hall British agent Quiller is sent to Berlin to investigate a resurgence of neo-Nazi activity in the shadow of the Cold War. Unlike James Bond, Quiller operates without weapons, relying solely on his wits and psychological endurance to survive capture and torture. It is a gritty, realistic espionage thriller that delves into the paranoia of the intelligence world.

9. The Emperor's Snuff Box by John Dickson Carr In a French seaside resort, a young woman witnesses a murder through the window of a house across the street. However, the evidence she provides inadvertently implicates the man she loves, leading to a complex psychological battle. Carr moves away from his usual supernatural themes to craft a tight, character-driven mystery of perception and betrayal.

10. The High Window by Raymond Chandler Private detective Philip Marlowe is hired to recover a rare gold coin, the Brasher Doubloon, stolen from a wealthy and dysfunctional widow. The case drags him into a mire of blackmail, murder, and family secrets that stretch back years. Chandler’s prose captures the cynical, sun-drenched corruption of Los Angeles in this essential hardboiled novel.

11. A Murder of Quality by John le Carré George Smiley steps out of the world of espionage to investigate a murder at the elite Carne School. He uncovers a snobbish and cruel society where academic rivalry and class prejudice provide ample motive for killing. The book offers a scathing critique of the British public school system wrapped in a classic whodunit.

12. Call for the Dead by John le Carré This debut novel introduces George Smiley as he investigates the apparent suicide of a civil servant who had recently been cleared of espionage charges. Smiley’s inquiries lead him to a wartime acquaintance and a deadly East German spy ring. It establishes the unglamorous, morally grey world that would become le Carré’s trademark.

13. The Night of Wenceslas by Lionel Davidson Nicolas Whistler, a young man in debt, is coerced into traveling to Prague for what he thinks is a simple business trip. He soon finds himself a pawn in a dangerous game of Cold War espionage, fleeing from secret police across a hostile city. The novel is a tense and humorous thriller that vividly captures the atmosphere of communist Czechoslovakia.

14. Buried for Pleasure by Edmund Crispin Eccentric Oxford professor and amateur sleuth Gervase Fen decides to stand for Parliament in a rural by-election. His campaign is interrupted by a murder at the local pub and a series of bizarre events involving a nudist colony and a poltergeist. Crispin delivers a witty, farcical mystery that satirizes English village life and politics.

15. The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr Professor Grimaud is murdered in a room locked from the inside, while people outside witness the killer vanish into thin air. This novel is famous for its "Locked Room Lecture," where the detective Dr. Fell analyzes the various ways such a crime can be committed. It is widely considered one of the greatest impossible crime mysteries ever written.

16. The Valachi Papers by Peter Maas This gripping non-fiction work tells the true story of Joseph Valachi, the first member of the Mafia to break the code of silence. His testimony revealed the structure, history, and rituals of the Cosa Nostra to the world for the first time. Maas shapes the raw confession into a compelling narrative of crime, betrayal, and survival within the mob.

17. The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes collected by Richard Lancelyn Green This anthology gathers a selection of Sherlock Holmes stories written by authors other than Arthur Conan Doyle, ranging from parodies to serious pastiches. It includes works that explore the gaps in the original canon and reimagine the great detective in new scenarios. The collection is a tribute to the enduring appeal of 221B Baker Street.

18. Rosebud by Joan Hemingway & Paul Bonnecarrère Five daughters of wealthy and powerful men are kidnapped from a yacht by the Black September terrorist group. An operative is tasked with locating the girls before the political and financial ransom demands destabilize the globe. The thriller combines high-stakes international action with the tension of 1970s terrorism headlines.

19. Ritual Murder by S.T. Haymon Detective Inspector Ben Jurnet investigates the murder of a choirboy in a cathedral city, a crime that seems to echo an anti-Semitic legend from the Middle Ages. As he digs deeper, Jurnet is forced to confront his own Jewish heritage and the prejudices of the community. The novel is a thoughtful, character-driven mystery rich in atmosphere and history.

20. The Last Place God Made by Jack Higgins In the treacherous depths of the Amazon jungle, two pilots are forced to work together to survive in a lawless outpost. The story involves a desperate mission to deliver supplies amidst corruption, local hostility, and the unforgiving environment. Higgins writes a taut adventure story focused on the resilience of men pushed to their limits.

21. No Comebacks by Frederick Forsyth This collection of short stories showcases the versatility of the master thriller writer, moving from espionage to crime and even the supernatural. Each tale is crafted with the sharp plotting and attention to detail that Forsyth is known for. It offers bite-sized narratives of deception, revenge, and the unexpected twists of fate.

22. Murder on the Menu edited by Peter Haining This anthology serves up a collection of mystery stories centered around food, drink, and dining, featuring authors like P.D. James and Patricia Highsmith. From poisoned meals to culinary crimes, the stories explore the deadly potential of the dinner table. It is a delicious mix of dark humor and suspense for those with a taste for crime.

23. Polar Star by Martin Cruz Smith Arkady Renko, the investigator from Gorky Park, is now working in exile on a Soviet factory ship in the Bering Sea. When a crew member’s body is pulled from the fishing nets, Renko is reluctantly drawn back into a murder investigation. The setting provides a claustrophobic, freezing backdrop for a complex story of Soviet politics and survival.

24. Killing Floor by Lee Child Jack Reacher, a drifter and former military policeman, hops off a bus in Margrave, Georgia, and is immediately arrested for a murder he didn't commit. To clear his name, he must unravel a conspiracy that runs deep into the heart of the seemingly quiet town. This explosive debut introduces the iconic hero and his brutal, uncompromising brand of justice.