The Incredible Crime - (British Library Crime Classics) by Lois Austen-Leigh (Paperback)

About the Book

Originally published in 1931 by Herbert Jenkins.

Book Synopsis

Mystery crime fiction written in the Golden Age of Murder

"This British Library Crime Classics reissue features richly evocative settings, an appealing romantic subplot, and sly nods to other fiction, including that of the author's illustrious ancestor." --Publishers Weekly

Prince's College, Cambridge, is a peaceful and scholarly community, enlivened by Prudence Pinsent, the Master's daughter. Spirited, beautiful, and thoroughly unconventional, Prudence is a remarkable young woman.

One fine morning she sets out for Suffolk to join her cousin Lord Wellende for a few days' hunting. On the way Prudence encounters Captain Studde of the coastguard--who is pursuing a quarry of his own.

Studde is on the trail of a drug smuggling ring that connects Wellende Hall with the cloistered world of Cambridge. It falls to Prudence to unravel the identity of the smugglers--who may be forced to kill, to protect their secret.

This witty and entertaining crime novel has not been republished since the 1930s. This new edition includes an introduction by Kirsten T. Saxton, professor of English at Mills College, California.

Review Quotes

...the conclusion of the book is excellent in its execution. It is a nice read, and not at all heavy.--Matthew Barnes "Carpe Libris"

Austen-Leigh, the great-great niece of Jane Austen who is said to have used Aunt Jane's writing desk to write four mysteries, provides fascinating details of what British high life was like at the time.--Connie Fletcher "Booklist"

Lois Austen-Leigh is the great-great grandniece of Jane Austen and she has something of her famous relative's deft touch at social satire in this mystery published in 1931. In this relatively short novel, the author casts a humorous eye the Golden Age mystery genre. She chooses both the academic mystery and the country house mystery as her subject.--Elaine Cichantk "NetGalley"

About the Author

LOIS AUSTEN-LEIGH was the author of four mystery novels published in the 1930s, which have been out of print for over 70 years until the publication of this new edition. Austen-Leigh was the great-great niece of Jane Austen.