This is an unusual publication of two works of Swedish mystery fiction which is certain to attract the attention of students of Gothic and detective fiction, especially those with a taste for neglected or overlooked works. The Hastfordian Escutcheon is (in the words of its subtitle) "The Earliest Detective Fiction of Aurora Ljungstedt (1821-1908)." The title novella and "The Sealed Letter" abound in clever plotting and reflect the influence of Jane Austen in characterization and setting and recall the complexity of the plots of Agatha Christie.
There is an informative preface by Bertil Falk, Swedish journalist and translator, along with drawings by Nicolas Krizan, Swedish illustrator with a fondness for fantastic genres.
Trade Paperback.
Full Colour Cover with French Flaps. 184p.
ISBN 1-55246-648-5 @ $20.00
Other Volumes of Victorian Detective Fiction from The Battered Silicon Dispatch Box
