One of the “golden age” detective fiction writers, Margery Allingham was very good at what she did. Her gentleman sleuth, Albert Campion, first introduced as a minor character in 1929's The Crime at Black Dudley, proved popular (particularly with her American publishers), and so she produced a whole series centered on him.

If you have room in your heart for a gentleman sleuth, you are in for a treat, as Campion is featured in 19 novels and an assortment of short stories … enough to keep you busy for quite some time.

Allingham, who was born in London and lived in Essex, really was an excellent writer. Maggie Topkis, who had published Allingham’s novels in the United States through Felony & Mayhem Press, rates Allingham higher than Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, although she isn’t as well known.

Personally, I especially admire Allingham’s short stories, many of which have supernatural themes, as well as mysteries. The collections are out of print now, but it’s not too hard to find used copies. Seek them out – you’ll be glad you did.

BOOK: Hide My Eyes

AUTHOR: Margery Allingham

YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 1958

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Penguin Random House UK