The Complete Trent Case Book (3-books-in-1) by E.C. Bentley

HI-IS & POD. Paperback. NEW. Trent's Last Case, also known as The Woman in Black, is a renowned novel that holds a special place in the detective genre. Written by E.C. Bentley, it is considered the first book to satirize the very genre it belongs to, aiming to expose the fallibility of the Holmesian method of deduction. The story revolves around the mysterious death of Sigsbee Manderson, an American tycoon, at his English country house. Philip Trent, an artist and amateur detective, arrives at the scene only to discover that there is more to the case than meets the eye. Puzzling questions arise, such as why Manderson was not wearing his false teeth and why his young widow appears relieved by his demise. As Trent delves deeper into the investigation, he not only confronts the challenges of solving complex puzzles but also grapples with his own limitations in both detective work and matters of the heart. Agatha Christie, one of the most celebrated authors in the mystery genre, regards Trent's Last Case as one of the three best detective stories ever written. Its impact on the genre is further emphasized by Dorothy L. Sayers, who states that the novel shook the world of mystery novels like a revolution. Sayers believes that every detective writer, consciously or unconsciously, owes something to the liberating and inspiring influence of Bentley's work. In Trent's Own Case, a collaborative effort between E.C. Bentley and H. Warner Allen, the plot centers around the murder of James Randolph. The victim's safe has been ransacked, and the bedroom floor is strewn with wrapping paper. Trent finds himself in a peculiar situation as he was the last person known to have seen Randolph alive. To complicate matters further, a friend of Trent's confesses to the crime. Determined to uncover the truth, Trent embarks on a quest to unravel the intricacies of the case. Trent Intervenes is a collection of twelve stories featuring Philip Trent as he tackles a wide range of criminal activities. From fraud and embezzlement to criminal assault and murder, Trent must utilize his deductive skills to solve each case that comes his way. The stories showcase the versatility of Bentley's character, highlighting his ability to navigate through various criminal scenarios. Overall, E.C. Bentley's Trent series has left an indelible mark on the detective genre. Trent's Last Case, with its satirical approach, challenged the infallibility of traditional detective methods, inspiring future authors to explore new avenues within the genre. The subsequent novels, Trent's Own Case and Trent Intervenes, further solidify Philip Trent as a beloved and enduring character in the world of detective fiction.