The Golden Age of Murder

The Golden Age of Murder is by Martin Edwards. A wonderful nonfiction look at the Golden Age of Mysteries and the members of the famous Detection Club who wrote them. This book does serious damage to a mystery lover's "to be read list," so beware. The biographies of the members of the Detection Club are as fascinating as the mysteries they wrote. A must read for all fans of mysteries old or new. 

Ratings: Adult - 10 out of 10. 

Trent's Last Case

Trent's Last Case is by E.C. Bentley. The first in the classic Philip Trent mystery series. When a scheming capitalist mogul is found dead in his English garden, amateur detective Philip Trent sets out to solve the crime. This classic tale is a masterpiece of false clues and a twisted ending. A must read for all mystery lovers, especially those fond of Golden Age mysteries. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 10 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content). 

The Tea Leaf

The Tea Leaf is by Robert Eustace and Edgar Jepsen. The classic short story that was the forerunner of the locked room mystery. Two former friends, who now hate each other, meet in a Turkish bath. One exits and goes to the shampoo room and the other is found dead. No weapon is found, the living man is charged with murder and it takes the genius of the victim's daughter to prove him innocent. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).