Locked Room Mysteries ed. by David Stuart Davies ****

Reading dates 25 July 2025 – 05 March 2026

I go to the Arlington Baths about once a week, more if I can. Usually this day is Friday, which is a ‘mixed’ day, no Ladies or Gentlemen day. It means I have access to the Turkish suite, where I spend most of my time, laying horizontal, dozing off and reading in silence. I have a locker and this locker contains shower materials, a swimming costume and my Arlington book. David Stuart Davies’ Locked Room Mysteries was perfect for this activity. The choices are varied and the stories are just the right level of engagement for someone that wants to rest and recover. It is not a 5 star book simply because of the fact that I did not like the studies by the big players such as Conan Doyle or Wilkie Collins. Yet, I discovered many interesting writers (Jacques Futrelle!) and rejoiced in the puzzles. I usually finished a story per visit but, when I did not, it was a wonderful incentive to leave the house early so I could continue. I love the genre.

God help me this week when I bring to the Arlington my half-read Crime and Punishment. I am really struggling with that one but maybe the hum of the heaters in the Turkish and the half-dreaming state will propel me through the 350 pages that remain.