Puzzles of the Parish: Short Tales of Ministers, Murder and Mystery

Delve into the shadowy corners of the churchyard with this compelling collection of mystery tales where crime infiltrates the sacred. Featuring clergymen and nuns as victims, amateur sleuths, and villainous perpetrators, this anthology gathers some of the greatest short stories centered around ecclesiastical intrigue and dark deeds.

• Collection of classic mystery tales where crime intersects with the church.
• Features stories involving vicars, rectors, and nuns as central figures in criminal affairs.
• Includes a fascinating introduction and notes from renowned crime fiction expert, Martin Edwards.
• Delivers a mix of cosy brainteasers and fiendishly-fashioned stories with unexpected twists.
• Features works from celebrated writers including Joyce Porter, H. C. Bailey, Cyril Hare, and Edmund Crispin.

Explore narratives such as a pernicious parson outwitting thieves of a priceless chalice, a beloved vicar contemplating a perfect crime against a blackmailer, and the fallout from poisoned pen letters leading to suspicious deaths. These stories showcase the devil’s work creeping into the quiet confines of the parish.

• Brand: British Library Publishing
• Editor: Martin Edwards
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Language: English
• Publication Date: June 10, 2026
• Pages: 288
• ISBN-10: 0712369406
• ISBN-13: 978-0712369404
• Dimensions: 188 x 130 x 17mm
• Weight: 288g

If you enjoy classic British detective stories, police procedurals, or mysteries set in unique environments, this anthology edited by Martin Edwards offers a congregation of expertly crafted, intriguing puzzles.