Planet Whodunnits

The Notting Hill Mystery was published in the form of serial, between 1862 and 1863, by a certain Charles Felix (a pseudonym) in a magazine of the time entitled Ounce have week. It is an investigation of procedure, way cop or private detective, on a murder moved by a swindle. If not that the main character, Ralph Henderson, are employed by an insurance company. Seeking to uncover a baron who has estourbi his wife to touch the premium, it uses of traditional techniques of investigation: steppings of timetable, examinations of witnesses, scientific analyses

At its exit, the book was accomodated by criticisms positive of the press. Its author undoubtedly appreciated since - as much of authors of whodunnits of today - it was itself journalist (at the same time as lawyer and traveller). It will have been necessary to wait nearly one century and half so that its anonymity is raised. When British Library proposed the novel in impression with the request, last year, NewYork Times revealed its name: Charles Warren Adams. A scoop which revived curiosity for this pioneer: instead of selling a handle of specimens of it, the BL received several hundreds of requests. The Notting Hill Mystery arises in pocket format, illustrated by reproductions of original engravings of George of Maurier, grandfather of Daphne of Maurier. The mysteries of quality do not have an age.