Features

The PI Case Files - Part 4

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In our final edition of The PI Case Files, we meet arguably the two greatest investigators of all, plus a relative newcomer whose inclusion may surprise some. However, we think that the verdict of history will place him shoulder to shoulder with the very best….
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Features

WhoWunnit? Christie triumphs in CWA poll

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The result is in! And the 600 authors who are members of the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) have given double honours to the Queen of Crime. Agatha Christie has won both the Best Ever Novel and Best Ever Crime Author accolades. At an event at…
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Features

CIS: An introduction to Michael Innes

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He’s one of the longest-serving literary detectives, but do lovers of classic crime still read the extravagant, erudite novels featuring Inspector John Appleby? Have crime readers even heard of Michael Innes, the pen name adopted by Scottish academic and author John Innes Mackintosh Stewart (1906-1994)…
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Features

CIS: The first female detectives

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We’ve just been celebrating the 123rd birthday of Agatha Christie, who created spinster sleuth Miss Marple in 1926. But if you thought Marple was the first female literary detective – albeit, an amateur – you might be surprised to learn you were out by several…
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Features

CIS: Your classics

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Last week, we called out for all our readers, followers and friends out there to tell us what your favourite classic crime fiction novels are. We’ve had a great response, including submissions from top authors who themselves have been inspired by the books they’ve nominated….
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Features

Are crime novels killing short stories?

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While the crime novel is in rude health with huge sales for contemporary genre authors, what about the short story? It’s true that labyrinthine crime plots have always suited the novel – although Golden Age writers penned shorter novels than today’s chunky bestsellers – but…
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