First-Look Fiction: British Library Crime Classics

We are happy to provide a wonderful series collection to our library patrons – British Library Crime Classics.  For those fans of Agatha Christie, PD James, and other wonderful British mystery writers, these classics are sure to entertain.

In 2015, U.S. Poisoned Penn Press began releasing trade paperback formats of much celebrated British Library Crime Classics featuring historical mysteries “rediscovered” by the British Library. Focusing on the “Golden Age” of British crime writing, the series includes works by both recognized and lesser-known writers. 

The publisher releases each title featuring cover art chosen by the British Library – “smart, old-fashioned designs befitting these golden age crime tales” — as well as introductions by well-known experts.

Per the publisher, “The British Library Crime Classic series is an outstanding collection of books written at a time when there was no such thing as genre fiction. These works laid the groundwork for today’s popular crime fiction . . . the original masters of crime fiction writing.”