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This substantial anthology brings together 23 American mystery stories from major 20th-century writers, spanning classic detective fiction, psychological suspense, crime, and literary mystery. Contributors include O. Henry, William Faulkner, Pearl S. Buck, John Dickson Carr, Leslie Charteris, Ed McBain, Charlotte Armstrong, Mignon Eberhart, and others, making it a broad survey of American mystery writing rather than simply a collection centered on one style or author. Published by the Franklin Library in 1989 as part of its Mystery Masterpieces series, this edition has the visual appeal collectors expect from Franklin: dark blue binding, raised spine bands, extensive gilt decoration, all edges gilt, patriotic endpapers, and artwork created specifically for this edition by John Ward, including the dramatic two-page color frontispiece. It’s a handsome shelf copy that combines a strong selection of stories with classic Franklin Library presentation.