Status Updates From The Listerdale Mystery

12. Swan Song ***. A famous opera diva agrees to perform Puccini’s Tosca at a luxurious estate with its own theatre. She requires that the performers all be those of her choosing. Just before the event, the Scarpia singer falls sick. Fortunately, in a nearby estate there is a retired opera singer who was known for his Scarpia performances. First published in The Grand Magazine Issue 259, September 1926.

11. The Rajah’s Emerald ***. James Bond (yes, really!) is on a holiday by the sea. He sneaks into a private beach hut to change into swimming wear. He returns after his swim and puts on one of the pair of pants hanging there. Shortly afterwards he discovers they are not his pants and the pocket contains a famous stolen emerald. First published in the fortnightly Red Magazine, Issue 420 on July 30, 1926.

10. The Golden Ball ***. George Dundas is fired from his job for taking a day off without notice. He meets socialite Mary Montresor and they drive off into the countryside. Stopping to inspect a house, they are invited inside but are then kidnapped. George fights off the kidnappers and a surprise reveal is the result. First published as Playing the Innocent in the Daily Mail on August 5, 1929.

9. Mr. Eastwood’s Adventure ***. An author is stuck with writer’s block when he receives a phone call from a mysterious woman in distress. He goes to the address regardless and meets the woman and tries to humour her. Two policemen arrive and accuse him of murder and take him into custody. First published as The Mystery of the Second Cucumber in issue 233 of The Novel Magazine, Issue 233, August 1924.

8. A Fruitful Sunday ***. A couple set out on a Sunday trip and they read about the theft of a jewel necklace. Stopping to buy a basket of fruit, they discover a very similar necklace at the bottom of the basket. They are mystified but then are stuck in a moral quandary of whether to turn in the necklace to the authorities or seek to profit from the incident. First published in the Daily Mail, August 11, 1929.

7. Jane in Search of a Job ***. Jane Cleveland answers an ad in the Agony Column and takes the position of a body double for a Grand Duchess who is a target for kidnapping. After a bazaar is opened by the Duchess, a jewelry theft occurs and Jane is left behind as the prime suspect. First published in The Grand Magazine, Issue 234 in August 1924.