John Dickson Carr
John Dickson Carr was an American author of detective stories, known for his complex and ingenious plots. He is often regarded as one of the greatest writers of so-called 'Golden Age' mysteries. Carr also wrote using the pseudonym Carter Dickson.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Hollow Man
A Gideon Fell Mystery
In "The Hollow Man," a renowned detective is faced with a seemingly impossible murder case. Driven by his reputation and intellect, he dives deep into the perplexing puzzle, exploring the motives and alibis of a group of suspects. As the tension rises and the truth becomes increasingly elusive, the detective's determination to solve the enigma grows stronger. With unexpected twists and a cleverly crafted plot, this gripping mystery keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final revelation.
The 457th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. The Devil In Velvet
In this historical mystery with a supernatural twist, a modern history professor makes a deal with the devil to be transported back to 17th-century London. His mission is to save a woman from being murdered, but upon his arrival in the past, he finds himself in the body of a notorious highwayman. As he navigates the complexities of Restoration England, he becomes entangled in a web of intrigue, romance, and danger. The professor must use his knowledge of history and his wits to solve the mystery, protect the woman he came to save, and find a way back to his own time, all while the clock ticks on the devil's bargain.
The 2332nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. The Burning Court
"The Burning Court" is a gripping mystery novel that revolves around the strange deaths of several members of a wealthy family. As the story unfolds, a young lawyer becomes entangled in a web of secrets, deceit, and supernatural occurrences, all pointing towards a sinister plot. With a blend of suspense, psychological twists, and a touch of the occult, the book keeps readers guessing until the final revelation.
The 4159th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. The Emperor's Snuff Box
A Novel of Suspense
In "The Emperor's Snuff Box," a renowned detective is called upon to solve a perplexing murder case. Set in 1930s Paris, the story follows the investigation into the death of a wealthy aristocrat, who was found dead in a locked room with no apparent cause of death. With a limited number of suspects and a complex web of secrets and lies, the detective must unravel the truth behind this seemingly impossible crime, all while navigating the glamorous and treacherous world of high society. As the suspense builds, the detective's sharp wit and keen observation skills are put to the test, leading to a surprising and satisfying conclusion.
The 4615th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
5. He Who Whispers
Set in post-war England, this gripping mystery revolves around a seemingly impossible murder that takes place in a tower. The story unfolds through the eyes of Dr. Gideon Fell, a detective with a penchant for solving the most perplexing of crimes. As he delves into the intricate web of secrets and lies surrounding the victim and the suspects, he encounters themes of betrayal, love, and revenge. The narrative is rich with atmospheric tension and clever twists, leading to a surprising and satisfying resolution that challenges the boundaries of logic and perception.
The 15899th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
6. The Crooked Hinge
In this gripping mystery, a seemingly straightforward case of identity theft spirals into a labyrinth of deception and murder. Set against the backdrop of a quaint English village, the story unfolds with the sudden reappearance of a man long presumed dead, claiming his rightful inheritance. As tensions rise and suspicions mount, the enigmatic detective, Dr. Gideon Fell, is called upon to unravel the truth. With his keen intellect and unorthodox methods, Fell navigates a web of secrets, uncovering hidden motives and dark pasts, ultimately leading to a shocking revelation that challenges the very nature of identity and justice.
The 17119th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
7. And So To Murder
Set in the bustling world of a British film studio during the 1940s, this intriguing mystery follows the unexpected adventures of Monica Stanton, a romance novelist turned screenwriter. As she navigates the unfamiliar territory of the film industry, Monica finds herself embroiled in a series of bizarre and dangerous events, including a mysterious murder attempt. With the help of her fellow writer, William Cartwright, she delves into the secrets and rivalries lurking behind the glamorous facade of the studio, uncovering a web of deception and intrigue that leads to a surprising and thrilling conclusion.
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8. The Dead Man's Knock
Set in the eerie halls of a university, this gripping mystery unfolds as a series of sinister events lead to the discovery of a professor's lifeless body. The plot thickens with the presence of a mysterious manuscript and a locked room, challenging the astute detective to unravel the enigma. As secrets and motives are meticulously uncovered, the story delves into themes of deception, betrayal, and the haunting power of the past. With a blend of suspense and intellectual intrigue, the narrative keeps readers guessing until the final revelation.
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9. The Case Of The Constant Suicides
Set in the Scottish Highlands, this intriguing mystery revolves around a perplexing series of deaths in the Campbell family, all seemingly suicides from a tower room that appears to be locked from the inside. As two rival historians, Dr. Gideon Fell and Dr. Alan Campbell, delve into the enigmatic circumstances, they uncover a web of family secrets, hidden motives, and supernatural legends. With a blend of humor and suspense, the story unfolds with unexpected twists, challenging the detectives to unravel the truth behind the baffling deaths and the mystery of the locked room.
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10. The Problem Of The Green Capsule
Being the Psychologist's Murder Case
In this gripping mystery, a seemingly impossible crime unfolds in a small English village, where a man is poisoned in full view of witnesses during a magic show. The renowned detective, Dr. Gideon Fell, is called upon to unravel the perplexing case, which is complicated by a series of baffling clues and a cast of eccentric characters. As Fell delves deeper into the investigation, he must navigate through layers of deception and misdirection to uncover the truth behind the murder, ultimately revealing a cunning plot that challenges the very nature of perception and reality.
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11. The Eight Of Swords
In this classic mystery novel, readers are plunged into a world of intrigue and suspense as they follow the enigmatic detective, Dr. Gideon Fell, on a quest to unravel a perplexing murder case. Set against the backdrop of a quaint English village, the story unfolds with the discovery of a body in a locked room, surrounded by peculiar clues and a tarot card depicting the Eight of Swords. As Dr. Fell delves deeper into the lives of the eccentric villagers, he must navigate a web of secrets, deception, and hidden motives to uncover the truth behind the seemingly impossible crime.
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12. Hag's Nook
A Gideon Fell Mystery
Set in the eerie English countryside, this gripping mystery unfolds around the sinister legend of a family curse tied to a crumbling prison tower. When a young man is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Dr. Gideon Fell, a brilliant and eccentric detective, is called upon to unravel the enigma. As he delves into the dark history of the Starberth family and the ominous Hag's Nook, Fell must navigate a web of secrets, superstitions, and deception to uncover the truth behind the chilling death and the curse that haunts the family.
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13. The Mad Hatter Mystery
A Dr. Gideon Fell Mystery
Set in the atmospheric streets of London, this intriguing mystery follows the astute detective, Sir Henry Merrivale, as he unravels a perplexing case involving a series of bizarre hat thefts and a murder at the Tower of London. The victim, a journalist, is found with a stolen hat perched atop his head, leading Merrivale into a labyrinth of secrets, eccentric characters, and red herrings. As the detective delves deeper, he must navigate through a web of deception and uncover the truth behind the seemingly whimsical yet deadly events, all while maintaining his characteristic wit and sharp intellect.
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14. To Wake The Dead
In this gripping mystery, a series of eerie and seemingly impossible murders baffle the police and stir fear among the public. The story unfolds with a masterful blend of suspense and intrigue as the protagonist, a brilliant detective, delves into the dark secrets and hidden motives of a cast of complex characters. Set against a backdrop of atmospheric tension, the detective must unravel the enigma of the murders, which appear to be committed by a vengeful spirit from beyond the grave. As the investigation deepens, the line between the supernatural and reality blurs, leading to a thrilling and unexpected conclusion.
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15. Till Death Do Us Part
A Dr. Gideon Fell Mystery
In this gripping mystery, a young woman named Lesley Grant finds herself ensnared in a web of suspicion and intrigue when she becomes engaged to the charming yet enigmatic Dick Markham. As the couple prepares for their future together, a series of unsettling events and a shocking murder unravel in their small village, casting doubt on Lesley's innocence. With the help of the astute Dr. Gideon Fell, the truth behind the sinister occurrences is gradually unveiled, revealing a tale of deception, hidden identities, and the dark shadows of past secrets that threaten to destroy their lives.
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16. The Man Who Could Not Shudder
In this intriguing mystery, a group of guests is invited to a haunted house, where a seemingly impossible murder takes place. The victim is shot by a gun that appears to have fired itself, leaving the guests and investigators baffled. As the story unfolds, the eccentric detective, Dr. Gideon Fell, is called upon to unravel the enigma. With his keen intellect and unique approach to solving crimes, Dr. Fell navigates through a web of secrets, supernatural elements, and red herrings to uncover the truth behind the chilling murder, revealing a clever and unexpected resolution.
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17. The Arabian Nights Murder
A Sir Henry Merrivale Mystery
In a captivating blend of mystery and intrigue, the story unfolds within the opulent setting of a luxurious hotel, where a seemingly impossible murder takes place. The narrative follows the astute detective, Dr. Gideon Fell, as he navigates a labyrinth of clues, red herrings, and eccentric characters, each with their own secrets and motives. With a keen eye for detail and a sharp wit, Dr. Fell methodically unravels the enigma, revealing a web of deception and betrayal that challenges the boundaries of logic and reason. The tale is a masterful exploration of the classic locked-room mystery, filled with unexpected twists and a satisfying resolution.
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18. Dark Of The Moon
Set in the atmospheric backdrop of a small South Carolina town, this gripping mystery unfolds as Dr. Gideon Fell, a renowned detective, is called upon to unravel a perplexing murder case. The story is steeped in Southern Gothic elements, with a chilling blend of superstition and suspense. As secrets from the past emerge, the line between reality and illusion blurs, challenging Dr. Fell's deductive prowess. With a cast of intriguing characters and a plot filled with unexpected twists, the narrative keeps readers on edge, questioning the nature of truth and justice in a world shadowed by dark legends.
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19. Panic In Box C
A Dr. Gideon Fell Mystery
Set against the backdrop of a grand opera house, this gripping mystery unfolds as a murder takes place during a performance, leaving the audience in shock and the police baffled. The story follows the astute detective, Dr. Gideon Fell, as he delves into the world of opera to uncover the truth behind the crime. With a cast of intriguing characters, each with their own secrets and motives, the narrative weaves a complex web of deception, suspense, and intrigue. As the investigation progresses, Dr. Fell must navigate through a series of clever misdirections and red herrings to reveal the identity of the killer and the motive behind the murder.
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20. The House At Satan's Elbow
Set in a sprawling English manor, this gripping mystery unfolds as a family reunion turns sinister with the discovery of a body in the library. The tension escalates when eerie occurrences suggest the presence of a ghostly figure, known as "The Black Specter," haunting the estate. As the family grapples with fear and suspicion, a brilliant detective is called upon to unravel the tangled web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives. With a blend of supernatural elements and classic whodunit intrigue, the story keeps readers guessing until the final revelation.
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21. In Spite Of Thunder
In this gripping mystery, a seemingly impossible crime unfolds amidst the picturesque yet stormy backdrop of a Swiss chalet. The story follows the astute detective, Dr. Gideon Fell, as he delves into the perplexing murder of a glamorous actress, whose death appears to be linked to a series of baffling events and hidden motives. With a cast of intriguing characters, each harboring their own secrets, the narrative weaves a complex web of deception, suspense, and deduction, challenging both the detective and the reader to unravel the truth behind the enigmatic murder.
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22. Below Suspicion
A Dr. Gideon Fell Mystery
Set in the shadowy world of espionage during World War II, this gripping mystery unfolds as a British intelligence officer is tasked with uncovering a mole within their ranks. As the protagonist navigates a web of deceit and danger, they must rely on their wits and intuition to unravel the truth. With a backdrop of tension and intrigue, the story delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral complexities of war. The narrative is peppered with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final revelation.
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23. The Sleeping Sphinx
In this gripping mystery, a young woman named Celia Devereux finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue and danger when she inherits a house with a dark past. As she delves into the secrets of the mansion, she encounters a series of puzzling events and eerie occurrences that suggest the presence of a malevolent force. With the help of the astute Dr. Gideon Fell, Celia must unravel the truth behind the sinister happenings, confronting hidden motives and long-buried secrets that threaten to consume her. The story masterfully blends elements of suspense, supernatural hints, and classic detective work, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final revelation.
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24. Death Turns The Tables
The Seat of the Scornful
In this classic mystery novel, a seemingly straightforward case of murder becomes a labyrinth of deception and intrigue when a prominent judge is found dead at a country house party. The investigation is led by the astute and enigmatic detective, who must navigate a web of secrets, alibis, and hidden motives among the guests. As the detective delves deeper, he uncovers unexpected twists and turns that challenge his deductive skills, ultimately leading to a surprising revelation that turns the tables on everyone involved.
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25. The Problem Of The Wire Cage
In this classic locked-room mystery, a tennis match turns deadly when a player is found strangled on the court, surrounded by a wire cage with no apparent escape for the murderer. The investigation is led by the astute Dr. Gideon Fell, who must unravel a web of deceit, hidden motives, and clever alibis to uncover the truth behind the seemingly impossible crime. As the tension mounts, the story delves into the complexities of human nature and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their secrets, culminating in a surprising and ingenious resolution.
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26. Death Watch
A Dr. Gideon Fell Mystery
In a gripping tale of mystery and suspense, the story unfolds in a small English village where a seemingly straightforward murder case takes a sinister turn. The local watchmaker, a man of peculiar habits, becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and intrigue when a body is discovered in his shop. As the investigation deepens, the detective must navigate a labyrinth of alibis, hidden motives, and unexpected twists to uncover the truth. With each revelation, the line between friend and foe blurs, leading to a shocking climax that challenges perceptions of justice and morality.
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27. The Case Of The Blind Barber
Set aboard a transatlantic ocean liner, this classic locked-room mystery unravels as a group of passengers, including the eccentric detective Dr. Gideon Fell, become embroiled in a perplexing case involving a stolen diamond and a series of bizarre incidents. The plot thickens when a passenger is found dead, and the only clue is a cryptic message left by the victim. With a blend of humor, wit, and intricate plotting, the story navigates through a web of deception and red herrings, challenging readers to solve the mystery before the ship reaches its destination.
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28. Papa La Bas
Set in the vibrant and mysterious backdrop of 19th-century New Orleans, this thrilling tale weaves a web of intrigue and suspense as it delves into the world of voodoo and the supernatural. The story follows a determined detective who finds himself entangled in a series of baffling murders, each seemingly connected to the enigmatic voodoo priest known as Papa La Bas. As the detective navigates the city's shadowy streets and uncovers hidden secrets, he must confront his own beliefs and fears to unravel the truth behind the chilling events, all while the line between reality and the mystical blurs.
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