Classic Detective Stories

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The Little Restaurant Near Place Des Ternes by Georges Simenon Dec 24, 2023

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Georges Joseph Christian Simenon, born on 12/13 February 1903 in Liège, Belgium, and passing away on 4 September 1989, was a prolific Belgian writer renowned for creating the iconic fictional detective Jules Maigret. Simenon's literary legacy extends beyond the realm of detective fiction, with his impressive body of work comprising approximately 400 novels, 21 volumes of memoirs, and numerous short stories, totaling sales of over 500 million copies.

While Jules Maigret brought Simenon widespread fame, he also garnered critical acclaim for his romans durs, or "hard novels," demonstrating his versatility as a writer. Esteemed literary figures such as Max Jacob, François Mauriac, and André Gide praised Simenon, with Gide hailing him as a "great novelist, perhaps the greatest" in contemporary French literature.

Simenon's life unfolded against a backdrop of diverse locales. After being born and raised in Liège, he spent considerable periods residing in France (1922–45), the United States (1946–55), and, ultimately, Switzerland (1957–1989). His literary creations were deeply influenced by his semi-autobiographical reflections, drawing inspiration from his formative years in Liège, extensive travels across Europe and the world, wartime experiences, troubled marriages, and numerous love affairs.

Renowned for his psychological insights and vivid portrayal of time and place, Simenon's novels have been lauded by critics such as John Banville. Among his notable works are "The Saint-Fiacre Affair" (1932), "Monsieur Hire's Engagement" (1933), "Act of Passion" (1947), "The Snow was Dirty" (1948), and "The Cat" (1967). Simenon's enduring impact on literature lies not only in the enduring popularity of Jules Maigret but also in the rich tapestry of narratives that reflect the complexities of human nature and the varied landscapes of his own life.

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Christmas Re-Union by Andrew Caldecott Dec 16, 2023

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Sir Andrew Caldecott (1884-1951), a distinguished British civil servant born in Boxley, Kent, ventured into the realm of fiction following his retirement from the colonial administration. Educated at Uppingham School and Exeter College, Oxford, Caldecott's administrative career in Malaya, including roles as Acting Governor of the Straits Settlements and Governor of Hong Kong, showcased his diplomatic skills. Beyond his administrative prowess, Caldecott's multifaceted life included presidencies in football associations, a governorship during World War II in Ceylon, and a unique talent for settling ethnic disputes in Malaya. After marrying Olive Mary Innes in 1918 and, following her passing, Evelyn May Palmer in 1946, Caldecott embraced various hobbies, including writing, and authored two collections of supernatural fiction, "Not Exactly Ghosts" (1947) and "Fires Burn Blue" (1948), marking his late foray into the world of ghost stories. These tales, inspired by M. R. James, masterfully convey a sense of unease by transforming the ordinary into the unnerving, reaffirming Caldecott's literary legacy beyond his administrative achievements.

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Secrets in The Snow by J. Jefferson Farjeon Dec 09, 2023

Show notes

"Secrets in the Snow" is one of many mystery stories written by J. Jefferson Farjeon (1883-1955), this one first appearing in the collection "Best Stories of the Underworld" published in 1942.

In the story, a young woman named Janet decides to continue her journey to a Christmas party on foot when the bus she's travelling on breaks down. But she becomes lost in the snow and, taking refuge in a forlorn cottage, becomes embroiled in a mystery that may cost her her life. With a plucky, resourceful heroine, flashes of humour, and a dash of seasonal romance and melancholy, this enjoyable mystery packs a few twists and turns in its relatively short length.

Guest narrator: Jasper L'Estrange (EnCrypted Horror).

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/encryptedclassichorror

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ITtQcLlMhMpCpP4Vay1bR?si=268da82caaf44989

John Jefferson Farjeon, born in Hampstead, London, in 1883, worked for ten years at Amalgamated Press in London before becoming a freelance writer. His best-known work is the 1925 play "Number 17," later adapted into films, including Alfred Hitchcock's "Number Seventeen" in 1932. Farjeon's crime novels, admired by Dorothy L. Sayers, showcased his skill in crafting mysterious adventures. His notable contributions to detective fiction were acknowledged for their entertaining plots and a compelling narrative style. A revival of interest in his works occurred in 2014 with The British Library's reissue of "Mystery in White: A Christmas Crime Story," leading to renewed appreciation for his Golden Age detective fiction.

"Secrets in the Snow" is one of J. Jefferson Farjeon's mystery stories, initially published in the 1942 collection "Best Stories of the Underworld." Set against a backdrop of snow, the narrative exemplifies Farjeon's adeptness at weaving intriguing plots. The story, part of his extensive repertoire, adds to the enigmatic atmosphere that Farjeon masterfully creates. With a talent for crafting suspenseful tales, Farjeon's "Secrets in the Snow" is a captivating addition to the mystery genre, reflecting his enduring ability to engage readers in tales of intrigue and suspense.

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The Stolen Rubens by Jacques Futrelle Dec 02, 2023

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Jacques Heath Futrelle, born on April 9, 1875, in Pike County, Georgia, was a distinguished American journalist and mystery writer whose legacy became synonymous with the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. His career unfolded against the backdrop of the early 20th century, where he initially made a name for himself as a journalist, contributing to esteemed publications such as the Atlanta Journal, the New York Herald, and the Boston Post. Notably, he pioneered the sports section of the Atlanta Journal. Futrelle's creative genius, however, found its true expression in the realm of detective fiction. He is best remembered for his creation of Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, affectionately known as "The Thinking Machine." Futrelle's life took a tragic turn when, returning from Europe on the ill-fated RMS Titanic in 1912, he insisted his wife Lily board a lifeboat while he remained on the sinking ship. His gallant act, alongside his subsequent disappearance in the Atlantic, marked a poignant end to a remarkable life

"The Problem of the Stolen Rubens" by Jacques Futrelle was initially published in the Associated Sunday Magazine on February 17, 1907. This serialization marked the introduction of Professor Van Dusen, or "The Thinking Machine," to readers. The choice of a magazine publication was a common practice during that era, allowing authors to reach a broad audience through serialized storytelling. Futrelle's decision to unveil this particular story in the Associated Sunday Magazine contributed to the widespread recognition and eventual acclaim of his fictional detective character.

In the early 20th century, serialized fiction in magazines was a popular medium for presenting literary works, enabling authors to engage readers over multiple issues. For "The Problem of the Stolen Rubens," this serialized format added an element of suspense and anticipation as readers eagerly awaited each installment to follow the unfolding mystery. The success of this story within the pages of the Associated Sunday Magazine not only showcased Futrelle's storytelling prowess but also laid the foundation for the enduring popularity of Professor Van Dusen in the realm of detective fiction.

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The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire by Arthur Conan Doyle Nov 26, 2023

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"The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire" is one of twelve Sherlock Holmes stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and collected in "The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes" between 1921 and 1927. It was first published in January 1924 in The Strand Magazine in London and Hearst's International in New York.

In this story, Mr. Robert Ferguson visits Sherlock Holmes, worried that his second wife from Peru is harming their baby by sucking its blood. Holmes investigates and discovers it's not about vampires but family problems. The tale unfolds sadly, revealing family conflicts, hidden grudges, and a sense of disappointment. While there's a hint of mystery, the story takes a more downbeat turn, showing how family issues can be complicated and unsettling. Conan Doyle's storytelling skill is evident in this quietly powerful exploration of deception and family struggles.

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