New York: The Mystery League, 1930. dj. Hardcover first edition - One of the first two novels published under this pseudonym by this prolific author, and one of only two "non-series" titles. "On a foggy night in London, an expert cracksman steals the Hardway diamonds; yet when he is discovered by the police, the diamonds aren't with him. One of the diamonds is found on a corpse in the marshes. Where are the rest? And who is this criminal mastermind, 'Funny Toff'?" The seventh title (and one of the better stories) published by the rather short-lived Mystery League (1930-1933). Their books were unique in that they were sold through United Cigar Stores and Drug Stores, instead of bookstores, and…
New York: The Mystery League, 1930. dj. Hardcover first edition - One of the first two novels published under this pseudonym by this prolific author, and one of only two "non-series" titles. "On a foggy night in London, an expert cracksman steals the Hardway diamonds; yet when he is discovered by the police, the diamonds aren't with him. One of the diamonds is found on a corpse in the marshes. Where are the rest? And who is this criminal mastermind, 'Funny Toff'?" The seventh title (and one of the better stories) published by the rather short-lived Mystery League (1930-1933). Their books were unique in that they were sold through United Cigar Stores and Drug Stores, instead of bookstores, and despite the low price of 50c each, they were almost always attractively bound in black silk with green lettering. This title is in the uncommon green silk binding, used only on 5 titles sold in a boxed set as a Christmas special. These books were also notable for the striking art nouveau dust jacket art (many, like this one, by Eugene "Gene" Thurston) 285 pp.
Condition: Very good in a very good dust jacket (small chips to the upper edge of the dj, a bit of overall edgewear._ Overall an attractive copy and in better condition than usually found.
New York: The Mystery League, 1930. dj. Hardcover first edition - Eight guests have been invited to a party in a penthouse 19 stories above the street, only to discover that the other guests include a bitter enemy. Suddenly, a voice from the radio tells them that they will all be dead by morning, unless they can avoid the traps which have been set for them. A plot somewhat similar to Christie's 'Ten Little Indians', but published 10 years earlier. The first collaboration between these authors, and the basis of the 1934 film 'The Ninth Guest.' The sixth title (and one of the better stories) published by the rather short-lived Mystery League (1930-1933). Their books were unique in that…
New York: The Mystery League, 1930. dj. Hardcover first edition - Eight guests have been invited to a party in a penthouse 19 stories above the street, only to discover that the other guests include a bitter enemy. Suddenly, a voice from the radio tells them that they will all be dead by morning, unless they can avoid the traps which have been set for them. A plot somewhat similar to Christie's 'Ten Little Indians', but published 10 years earlier. The first collaboration between these authors, and the basis of the 1934 film 'The Ninth Guest.' The sixth title (and one of the better stories) published by the rather short-lived Mystery League (1930-1933). Their books were unique in that they were sold through United Cigar Stores and Drug Stores, instead of bookstores, and despite the low price of 50c each, they were attractively bound in black silk with green lettering. They were also notable for the striking art nouveau dust jacket art (many, like this one, by "Gene" - Eugene Thurston) 286 pp plus 1 p ad.
Condition: Near fine in near fine dust jacket (slight spine slant, and a short closed tear to the uncommon dust jacket, a bit of overall edgewear. Overall an attractive copy and in better condition than usually found.
THE HARDWAY DIAMONDS MYSTERY.
THE INVISIBLE HOST.
