John Dickson Carr (1906-1977) was one of the greatest writers of the American Golden Age mystery, and one of the only American authors to be included in England’s legendary Detection Club. Though he was born and died in the United States, Carr began his writing career while living in England, where he remained for nearly twenty years. Under his own name and various pseudonyms, he wrote more than seventy novels and numerous short stories, and is best known today for his locked-room mysteries. His beloved series character, Dr. Gideon Fell, was based on author G. K. Chesterton and appeared in twenty-four novels. Rian Johnson is an American film director, writer, and producer. His mystery film Knives Out (2019), starring Daniel Craig as private detective Benoit Blanc, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and its sequel Glass Onion (2022) was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay. Johnson has also created the television crime drama Poker Face for the streaming service Peacock.
"""Carr’s tricks and puzzles are as thrilling as ever, and Johnson’s introduction offers sharp insight into the story’s enduring appeal…. This is an ideal introduction to a master of mystery fiction’s golden age."" -- Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW ""Amateur sleuth Dr. Gideon Fell ... provides the traditional 'one of you is the murderer' summing-up with aplomb. Brilliant."" -- Booklist ""His stories are superbly constructed."" -- The Times ""One is always sure of a good crime puzzle and of excellent entertainment when Dr. Fell is on the job."" -- New York Times ""Very few detective stories baffle me nowadays, but Mr. Carr’s always do."" -- Agatha Christie"