LORAC, E. C. R. Murder in Chelsea. London: Samson Low, Marston & Co., Ltd. [1934.]
8vo. Original red cloth, spine lettered in black, upper board and spine ruled in black; in the original illustrated dust wrapper (clipped but retaining price sticker); pp. [iv], 284; light rubbing to extremities of wrappers, stain to bottom corner of lower board, offsetting to wrapper and pages in the surrounding area; slight foxing to edges; minimal discolouration to paper-stock; bookseller stickers to pastedowns; a good copy in the very rare dust wrapper.
First edition. E. C. R. Lorac is the pseudonym of Edith Caroline Rivett-Carnac, a British author born in 1894, and best known for her contributions for the detective fiction genre, particularly during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction". Lorac wrote numerous mystery novels and is best known for her Inspector Macdonald series, who is the detective in this, Murder in Chelsea. "Macdonald is a logical investigator, but he knows the value of laughter, and the lighter side of a detective mind is portrayed with a zest which makes this book irresistible" (wrapper).
Lorac's works often feature intricate plots, well-drawn characters, and a strong sense of place, and her writing is characterised by a focus on the puzzle and the fair play aspect of detective fiction, making her novels popular among fans of classic whodunits. With her keen eye for detail, the reality of her English settings brings a strong sense of authenticity to her stories. E. C. R. Lorac's works were well-received during her lifetime, but her writing fell somewhat into obscurity in the decades following her death.
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