Marcia Talley has caught readers' eyes since the beginning of her career when she won the Malice Domestic Grant (now known as the William F. Deeck-Malice Domestic Grant.) They chose her wisely. For these last three decades, Marcia Talley has marveled readers with her novels-and her short stories. Each of these works is humorous, thoughtful, and surprising. That is why, over these years, she has won and been nominated for a variety of mystery short story awards.

Here, you'll meet an average Joe just trying to sell his house, an island lad infatuated with Sherlock Holmes, a burnt-out mystery novelist, as well as a variety of classic characters who step out of the pages of Shakespeare and Dickens into devious new roles. The four stories featuring the irresistible Marjorie Ann are sure to delight. This year, when Marcia will be the Guest of Honor at the Malice Domestic Conference, it seems appropriate to present all her short works in a single collection. Crippen & Landru is fortunate to be able to do so.