Reader, I Buried Them and Other Stories - Peter Lovesey

Category: Adults, Anthology, Humor, Literature
Language: English
Keywords: “And The Band Played On “The Bathroom” (1973) ” Agatha Christie

Written by Peter Lovesey
Read by Penelope Freeman, Laurel Lefkow, Robert G. Slade, Ben Onwukwe
Format: MP3
Bitrate: 64 Kbps
Unabridged

Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
Release date: February 1, 2022
Duration: 10:05:00

More than fifty years ago, Peter Lovesey published a short story in an anthology. That story caught the eye of the great Ruth Rendell, whose praise ignited Lovesey’s lifelong passion for short form crime fiction. On the occasion of his hundredth short story, Peter Lovesey has assembled this devilishly clever collection: eighteen yarns of mystery, melancholy, and mischief, inhabiting such deadly settings as a theater, a monastery, and the book publishing industry. The collection includes that first story that launched his story-writing career as well as three exclusive new stories. In addition, Lovesey fans will delight in a personal essay by the author about the historical inspirations—and in an appearance by the irascible Bath detective Peter Diamond, who has, in the author’s words, “bulldozed his way” into this volume.

Publishers Weekly—–
The 16 dazzling selections in this inviting collection from MWA Grand Master Lovesey range from his first published story, “The Bathroom” (1973), to three new ones. In one of these three, “And the Band Played On,” a boy learns the surprising truth about the hidden past of his mentally impaired grandfather, who likes to sing an old-fashioned tune about dancing with a beautiful blonde. More than one twist graces this affecting tale. The sly title story, narrated by a monk who tends a monastery garden in London, puts a nice spin on a classic Agatha Christie trope. Other notable entries are “The Deadliest Tale of All,” in which an obituary writer attempts to repair Edgar Allan Poe’s reputation, and “A Three Pie Problem,” in which police detective Peter Diamond exposes the dalliances of an aged attorney at a toxic corporate Christmas gathering. Throughout, Lovesey delivers crisp dialogue, effortless narration, appealing characters, ingenious plots, and effervescent whimsy. A concluding essay, “The Tale of Three Tubs,” details the true story of the inspiration behind “The Bathroom.” This is a thoroughly entertaining compendium of the best of the best by one of the best.