The Poisoned Chocolates Case Characters

The Layton Court Mystery

The renowned British crime writer’s classic locked-room Golden Age mystery that introduced amateur sleuth Roger Sheringham. A party at Layton Court, the country house of Victor Stanworth, is disrupted when the host is found shot through the forehead in his own library, a suicide as far as the police are concerned. After all, the gun is found in his hand, a note has been left, and the room is locked from the inside. But one of the guests, author Roger Sheringham, has his doubts. The bullet wound is not positioned where it could have been easily self-inflicted. With a house full of partygoers and servants, suspects abound. It will take Sheringham’s sharp wit and fearless investigating to deduce who brought the festivities to a fatal end. The founder of the Detection Club in London, along with Agatha Christie and other writers, Anthony Berkeley wrote numerous novels, sometimes using the pseudonyms Francis Iles and A. Monmouth Platts. The Layton Court Mystery is his first book in the Roger Sheringham Cases, which includes The Poisoned Chocolates Case and The Silk Stocking Murders, among other titles. “Certainly, Berkeley’s short and fascinating career deserves to be saluted. For fans of the classic English crime novel, his books remain enjoyable to this day. Nobody has ever done ironic ingenuity better than Anthony Berkeley.” —Mystery Scene “He was one of the most influential crime novelists of the 1920s and 1930s, but has languished somewhat in obscurity since. A troubled, dark, incredibly innovative writer . . .” —Shedunnit

The Avenging Chance and Other Mysteries from Roger Sheringham's Casebook

The poisoned chocolates case

In 'The Poisoned Chocolates Case,' Anthony Berkeley crafts a masterful whodunit that weaves together elements of psychological insight and satirical commentary on the detective genre. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century England, the narrative revolves around a mysterious murder linked to a box of poisoned chocolates, leading readers through a labyrinth of red herrings and intellectual puzzles. Berkeley's literary style is characterized by sharp wit and an astute understanding of human psychology, deftly incorporating an array of characters, each with their own motives and complexities, thus enriching the traditional mystery format with a layer of social critique. Anthony Berkeley, a pivotal figure in the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, was known for his innovative narrative techniques and a penchant for challenging genre conventions. His experiences as a journalist and a member of the Detection Club deeply influenced his writing, particularly in his exploration of moral ambiguities and the intricacies of crime. Berkeley's own fascination with the mechanics of crime-solving is palpable in this work, demonstrating his ability to both entertain and provoke thought regarding the nature of guilt and justice. This book is a must-read for fans of classic detective fiction and those who appreciate richly layered narratives. 'The Poisoned Chocolates Case' not only delivers a captivating mystery but also invites readers to ponder deeper philosophical questions, making it a timeless exploration of morality and human behavior. Engage with Berkeley's clever storytelling and immerse yourself in this exquisite puzzle that challenges perceptions while keeping you guessing until the very end.