To recognize the year of Michael Gilbert's ninetieth birthday, Crippen & Landru is proud to publish this new collection of stories. The Curious Conspiracy and Other Crimes gathers together twenty previously uncollected stories including almost unknown tales about Inspectors Hazlerigg and Petrella, and stories of blackmail, murder, and revenge. The settings range from elegant (but dangerous) wine cellars in France and England, to a soundproofed room inhabited by a dictator, to early nineteenth century Spain, to a deadly shooting range.
The Encyclopedia of Mystery and Detection describes Gilbert as "one of the finest of the post-World War II generation of detective story writers." One of the master storytellers of our times, Gilbert displays his seemingly effortless characterization, his use of authentic detail, and, above all, his ability to engage the reader from the first sentence.
The Mystery Writers of America recognized Gilbert's contributions with its highest honor, the Grand Master Award. The introduction is by the author, and the cover design by Deborah Miller.
FIRST BOOK EDITION
