This is a charming collection of short contemporary mysteries by Ellis Peters, best known for her medieval Brother Cadfael stories. All of the selections (which range from the 1950s to 1990s) are extremely good and display a command of the English language, a sense of plot and style, and a delicate touch in characterization that is far too rare today. Some are straight British country procedurals, some romance-mysteries, and there are also a few experimental pieces. Influences include Conan Doyle and Dorothy Sayers, but the stories are uniquely Peter's own.
