The Piccadilly Murder

The Piccadilly Murder (1929) is a classic detective novel by Anthony Berkeley, a celebrated writer in the Golden Age of detective fiction. This book is one of his many clever and intricately plotted mysteries, featuring his popular amateur sleuth, Roger Sheringham. In the novel, Sheringham investigates the death of a man in a London tea shop, initially thought to be a heart attack but soon revealed to involve foul play. True to Berkeley's style, the story unfolds with wit, sharp dialogue, and a focus on psychological depth. Berkeley's hallmark is his ability to play with conventional mystery tropes, offering surprises and a sometimes unconventional approach to justice. Anthony Berkeley Cox (1893-1971), writing under the pen names Anthony Berkeley and Francis Iles, was a prolific and influential figure in the Golden Age of detective fiction. His work is notable for its wit, psychological insight, and innovative approaches to the mystery genre. Berkeley was born in Watford, England, and educated at University College, Oxford. He served in World War I before embarking on a career as a journalist and novelist. His experience in journalism informed his sharp, satirical writing style. Berkeley was a founding member of the Detection Club, a prestigious organization of mystery writers that included Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers. His works often satirized and subverted the conventions of detective fiction, influencing later crime novelists.