"The Key"

As mystery readers, you are probably familiar with the names of many of the women who wrote so many fine books and stories during the Golden Age of English detective fiction - writers such as Agatha Christie, Margery Allingham and Dorothy L. Sayers. But the author whose book is featured on this week's Classic Mysteries podcast may be less familiar to modern American audiences. Patricia Wentworth created a sort of professional version of Miss Marple. Her name was Miss Maud Silver, and she is the detective featured in "The Key," which is reviewed in full on the podcast - you can listen to it here.

Miss Silver is a retired governess and teacher who has become a private investigator. She draws on many of the same strengths you'll find in Miss Marple, including a remarkably sharp mind, the ability to appear like a harmless little old lady, and an intimate knowledge of village - and city - life.

Because Patricia Wentworth is not as well known in the United States as many other mystery writers, her books are out of print in this country. Amazon's booksellers have many used copies available, or, if you prefer, the book remains in print and available from Amazon's British affiliate. If you enjoy Miss Marple, I suggest you give Miss Silver a try.