MYSTERY

The Long Arm of the Law: Classic Police Stories

by Martin Edwards
Poisoned Pen. (British Library Crime Classics). Jan. 2018. 234p. ed. by . ISBN 9781464209062. pap. $12.95; ebk. ISBN 9781464209079. M
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Following an introduction that covers the history of police procedurals from the mid-1800s to authors of the 20th century, including Colin Dexter, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James, and Lynda La Plante, the 15 short stories collected here spotlight some forgotten gems, as well as tales that were based on actual cases. While John Creasey and Michael Gilbert may be recognizable names to avid readers, the now-forgotten clever tales by Edgar Wallace, Roy Vickers, and Christianna Brand will come as delightful discoveries to mystery buffs. The police detectives range from the silently observant to the clever officers who reveal their discoveries. Edgar Award-winning Edwards, author of The Golden Age of Murder and series consultant for British Library Crime Classics, is the perfect editor for this anthology of classic procedurals.
VERDICT Knowledgable background introductions along with stories that have been long out of print make this a must-read for aficionados of golden age mysteries.
Reviewed by Lesa Holstine, Evansville Vanderburgh P.L., IN , Jan 01, 2018
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