The Great Mystery Collection: Boxed Set

Mystery (as a story element) is not a completely new phenomenon, ancient Greek tragedy writers would tell the tales of brave heroes who solve riddles given to them by mythical creatures and reveal secrets hidden by the gods. Although it was in the 19th century that publishers started to mass-produce detective fiction, and the demand has only increased since then. The founders of this genre were none other than Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins, both having been influenced by Gothic fiction. Fans of the genre will testify that the Golden Age of detective fiction was the 20th century, but it's important reflect on the genre defining classics, as they still deserve all the love they received upon their release. The Great Reads Mystery Collection: Boxed Set contains eight of these classic literary titles, each of which deserve a spot in everyone's bookshelf. 

Classic Tales of Detection and Adventure – Edgar Allan Poe

“The depth lies in the valleys where we seek her, and not upon the mountain-tops where she is found”

The first book on our list is a collection of detective tales by the much revered Edgar Allan Poe. You might have noticed that Poe's works also made an appearance in last week's blog about The Great Reads Horror & Fantasy Collection: Boxed Set. Classic Tales of Detection and Adventure contain five classic stories that paved the way for a much loved genre, these are:

• The Murders in the Rue Morgue
• The Mystery of Marie Rogêt
• Thou Art the Man!
• The Purloined Letter
• The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall

Our webshop and bookstore also offer The Penguin Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe, containing all the works of this fine author.

Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoevsky

“Do you understand, sir, do you understand what it means when you have absolutely nowhere to turn?”

The story of Crime and Punishment revolves around the handsome and charming law student Raskolnikov in Saint Petersburg. Poverty has struck our protagonist, and he is forced to put his studies on hold as he can no longer pay for his tuition fees. He receives a letter from his family, detailing the hardships they have to go through to aid him. His sister especially adores him and is willing to marry a dubious but rich fellow to ease his brother's suffering. This proves too much for Raskolnikov, and he starts seething at the injustice in his life. He could become a great man, if only his situation was different. It's at this point when Raskolnikov get's it into his head that great men like him should be allowed to develop their own sense of morality. A pawnbrokers exploits the destitute in Raskolnikov's neighbourhood, and everyone seems to despise this woman. Raskolnikov rationalizes depriving this woman of her life and stealing her property, but discovers that the guilt, shame and fear accompanying his crime is unbearable. Crime and Punishment details the mental anguish Raskolnikov has to go through, as he is being investigated by the cunning and equally charming Porfiry Petrovich. A nerve-racking novel that is also available in Dutch. 

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – Arthur Conan Doyle

“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data”

Sherlock Holmes is probably the second most famous crime solving detective in human history, the number one spot being taken by inspector gadget of course. Easily recognizable by his iconic costume and tobacco pipe, this Victorian Era hero is accompanied by his trusty companion Watson in his quest to solve the most complex criminal cases. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes contains the first 12 publications of Arthur Conan Doyle's work, which are:

• A Scandal in Bohemia
• The Red-Headed League
• A Case of Identity
• The Boscombe Valley Mystery
• The Five Orange Pips
• The Man with the Twisted Lip
• The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle
• The Adventure of the Speckled Band
• The Adventure of the Engineer’s Thumb
• The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor
• The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet
• The Adventure of the Copper Beeches

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes – Arthur Conan Doyle

“It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important”

The succes of the first twelve publications is evident in the fact that Sherlock Holmes has been a pop culture figure for over a century. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of the 12 stories that followed the initial introduction of this clever puzzle-solving detective. Arthur Conan Doyle had planned on ending the story of Holmes after his series, but was forced to continue due to popular demand. The following stories can be read in this publication: 

• The Adventures of Silver Blaze
• The Adventures of the Cardboard Box
• The Adventure of the Yellow Face
• The Adventure of the Stockbroker’s Clerk
• The Adventure of the Gloria Scott
• The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual
• The Adventure of the Reigate Squire
• The Adventure of the Crooked Man
• The Adventure of the Resident Patient
• The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter
• The Adventure of the Naval Treaty
• The Final Problem

Our bookstore also offers The Penguin Complete Sherlock Holmes for those interested in more. 

The Moonstone – Wilkie Collins

“Human life, Mr. Betteredge, is a sort of target – misfortune is always firing at it, and always hitting the mark”

Rachel Verinder receives a precious gemstone as a birthday gift when she turns 18. What she doesn't know however is that this crystal was stolen and cursed. Whoever carries the stone is subject to its malediction, and Rachel soon finds out that the stone has dissapeared completely. It is up to inspector Cuff to find the culprit of this theft, as there are multiple suspects. A gripping story with revolutionary book which was the first in introducing unique story elements, such as the use of multiple narratives. The Moonstone is also available in Dutch. 

The Phantom of the Opera – Gaston Leroux

“If I am a phantom, it is because man’s hatred has made me so. If I am to be saved it is because your love redeems me”

When a talented musician passes away, the Paris Opera House honors his dying wish and raises the daughter of the deceased. The talented Christine soon becomes as popular as her late father and is guided by a voice in the opera house. Her guardian angel ensures that she becomes a master in her trade, but a feeling of jealousy overcomes him when he notices Christine conversing with an old friend of hers. Our talented musician soon dissapears as the phantom of the opera has developed an obssesive love for her. Many will already be familiar with the story of The Phantom of the Opera as it has received many movie adaptations. A gripping story that we definitely reccomend to fans of classic literature. 

The Picture of Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde

“Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic”

The handsome Dorian Gray commisions that a portait be painted of him. Dorian falls in love with the image of himself, and wishes to never age and forever look as beautiful as he does in his painting. His wish soon comes into fruition as all signs of aging and physical change are apparent only in his portrait painting. What follows is a life of crime and irresponsibility, Dorian discovers that he must hide his portrait from the world at any cost. As time passes by, his portrait takes the form of a more mischievous figure. https://www.donner.nl/en/the-picture-of-dorian-gray/oscar-wilde/9780141442464 is a beautiful novel by Oscar Wilde and receives acclaim to this day.