The Shop Window Murders. Illustrated

128 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 1h36min.
Originally published in 1930, The Shop Window Murders is a stylish and cleverly plotted mystery by Vernon Loder, one of the key contributors to Britain’s Golden Age of detective fiction. With its unique setting and surprising twists, this novel stands out as one of Loder’s most inventive and engaging works. The story begins with a gruesome discovery in the heart of London: a corpse displayed behind the glass of a department store window. The shocking tableau stops pedestrians in their tracks—and launches a baffling investigation. Inspector Devenish, Loder’s sharp and methodical detective, is called to untangle a mystery where nothing is quite what it seems. Who was the victim? Why was the body staged in such a theatrical manner? And how did the killer manage to vanish without a trace? As the inquiry unfolds, suspicion spreads through a cast of well-drawn characters connected to the store—each with secrets, rivalries, and motives. Loder expertly blends elements of the locked-room mystery with the atmosphere of urban intrigue, offering readers a puzzle that is both sophisticated and deeply entertaining. This illustrated edition enhances the reading experience with period-style artwork that evokes the elegance and shadow of 1930s London. With its unusual premise and crisp storytelling, The Shop Window Murders remains a compelling gem for fans of classic whodunits, perfect for admirers of Agatha Christie, J.J. Connington, and Freeman Wills Crofts.