They don't make 'em like they used to

Here's the cover and dramatis personae from a 1939 novel I found at a church sale, republished by Pocket in 1947. The author had me at the description of presumed heroine Page Hazeltyne … but how about the dope-dealing doctor and the neurasthenic young man named Lynn (= gay!)?

Here's an image of the original book jacket--scads more sedate. But then that's why we love pulps!

Have you ever collected books for their covers?

Well, if this has put you in the mood for a mystery, you've come to the right place, In addition to hundreds of novels, we've got The Best American Mystery Stories 2010. And if you're up for a sinister chaser, try The Best American Noir of the Century, followed by a movie marathon with Film Noir Classic Collection, Vol. 5.

If, like me, you believe that a soupçon of mystery helps the history go down, try City of Silver, which is extraordinarily colorful and populated with a vast cast of intriguing characters. And oh yes, go the the homepage of www.salebooks.com to access a special sale of 5 mysteries for the price of 4. Happy sleuthing!