Craig Rice was an American author who was known for her witty and comedic mystery novels. She wrote over 30 books, many of which featured the popular detective character John J. Malone. Her writing style combined traditional mystery elements with humor, making her novels beloved by fans of the genre.
Craig Rice Books in Order
- Home Sweet Homicide
- 8 Faces at 3 (John J. Malone #1)
- The Corpse Steps Out
- The Lucky Stiff
- The Wrong Murder (John J. Malone #3)
- The Big Midget Murders
- The Right Murder
- Having Wonderful Crime
- The Sunday Pigeon Murders
- The Fourth Postman
Overview of Craig Rice Books in Order
Home Sweet Homicide
“The content is being updated …”
8 Faces at 3 (John J. Malone #1)
The content is being updated …
The Corpse Steps Out
“The Corpse Steps Out” by Craig Rice is a mystery novel featuring the witty private investigator John J. Malone. When a wealthy man is found murdered in his home, Malone is hired to investigate the case. With the help of his friend and sidekick Helene Brand, Malone uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal as he delves deeper into the lives of the victim and the suspects. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns as Malone races against time to solve the case and bring the murderer to justice.
The book is set in 1940s Chicago, and the author expertly captures the mood and atmosphere of the era. The witty and humorous writing style adds an engaging touch to the suspenseful plot, making the story an enjoyable read for mystery fans. The interactions between Malone and Helene are particularly entertaining, as they navigate through the complexities of the case while engaging in clever banter and humorous dialogue.
Overall, “The Corpse Steps Out” is a classic mystery novel that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Craig Rice’s skillful storytelling and engaging characters make this book a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good old-fashioned whodunit with a humorous and clever twist.
The Lucky Stiff
“The Lucky Stiff” by Craig Rice is a classic mystery novel featuring the author’s popular detective character, John J. Malone. The story follows Malone as he sets out to investigate the death of wealthy widower, Gerald “Gerry” Whiting. As Malone delves into the case, he uncovers a web of deception, secrets, and greed, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful journey to unravel the truth behind Whiting’s demise.
Set in the backdrop of 1950s Chicago, the novel presents a vivid and atmospheric portrayal of the city, complete with its seedy underbelly and vibrant characters. The Lucky Stiff is known for its witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and sharp humor, which have earned it a place among the classics of the mystery genre. With its engaging storytelling and compelling characters, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
“The Lucky Stiff” is a delightful and captivating read that offers a perfect blend of mystery, suspense, and humor. Craig Rice’s skillful storytelling and memorable characters make this novel a must-read for fans of classic detective fiction. With its intricate plot and cleverly crafted narrative, “The Lucky Stiff” is a timeless mystery that continues to entertain and engage readers.
The Wrong Murder (John J. Malone #3)
“The content is being updated …”
The Big Midget Murders
“The Big Midget Murders” by Craig Rice is a classic detective novel featuring the witty, unconventional private investigator John J. Malone. When a wealthy widow is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Malone and his partner Helene Brand are hired to investigate the case. As they dig deeper into the mystery, they uncover a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, as well as Rice’s trademark humor and sharp dialogue.
The novel is set in 1940s Chicago, providing a rich and vivid backdrop for the action. Rice’s colorful characters and lively writing style make “The Big Midget Murders” an engaging and entertaining read. The book is a blend of traditional mystery and comedy, with plenty of suspense and humor to keep readers hooked until the very end. As Malone and Brand race against time to solve the case, they encounter a diverse cast of suspects and navigate the city’s underworld, making for a thrilling and memorable story.
“The Big Midget Murders” is a prime example of Craig Rice’s talent for crafting clever, entertaining mysteries. With its fast-paced plot, charming characters, and clever dialogue, the book is sure to delight fans of classic detective fiction. Rice’s inventive storytelling and sharp wit shine through in this engaging and entertaining novel, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
The Right Murder
“The Right Murder” by Craig Rice is a classic mystery novel set in 1940s Chicago. The story follows private investigator John J. Malone as he is drawn into a web of intrigue and danger after being hired to solve a seemingly simple case. As he digs deeper, Malone uncovers a complex plot involving blackmail, deceit, and multiple murders. With the help of his quick-witted secretary, Helene, and his friend and colleague Jake Justus, Malone must navigate the seedy underbelly of the city to unravel the truth behind the crimes.
The novel is filled with twists and turns, as Malone and his companions encounter a colorful cast of characters, including deceitful socialites, conniving gangsters, and corrupt cops. As the stakes become increasingly higher, Malone and his team must use all of their wits and ingenuity to stay one step ahead of the criminals and solve the case before it’s too late. The Right Murder is a thrilling and suspenseful tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The Right Murder is a classic example of the hardboiled detective genre, featuring sharp dialogue, fast-paced action, and a cleverly plotted mystery. Craig Rice’s skillful storytelling and engaging characters make this novel a must-read for fans of the genre. With its vivid depiction of 1940s Chicago and its compelling blend of suspense and humor, The Right Murder is sure to captivate readers from beginning to end.
Having Wonderful Crime
The content is being updated …
The Sunday Pigeon Murders
The content is being updated …
The Fourth Postman
“The Fourth Postman” by Craig Rice is a classic mystery novel featuring the witty and unconventional detective duo of John J. Malone and Helene Brand. When a series of bizarre murders takes place in a small town, Malone and Brand are called in to solve the case. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they encounter a colorful cast of characters and uncover a web of blackmail, secrets, and hidden motives. With their trademark blend of humor and suspense, Malone and Brand navigate the twists and turns of the case to ultimately unmask the killer.
The plot of “The Fourth Postman” is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Craig Rice’s writing style is engaging and fast-paced, drawing readers into the story as they follow Malone and Brand’s investigation. The novel also features a strong sense of atmosphere, painting a vivid picture of the small town where the murders take place and the quirky characters who inhabit it.
Overall, “The Fourth Postman” is a captivating and entertaining mystery novel that will appeal to fans of classic detective fiction. With memorable characters, a clever plot, and plenty of humor, Craig Rice delivers a compelling read that is sure to keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
About Craig Rice
Georgiana Ann Randolph Craig, also known as Daphne Sanders and Michael Venning, was a prolific author known for her unique blend of hard-boiled mystery and screwball comedy. Writing under the pseudonym Craig Rice, she produced twenty-three novels, six of which were published posthumously, as well as numerous short stories and true crime pieces. In the 1940s, she achieved great commercial success, rivalling even the renowned Agatha Christie in book sales and earning the honor of being featured on the cover of Time Magazine in 1946. Despite her early fame, Craig Rice has since faded into relative obscurity over the past sixty years.
In conclusion, Craig Rice’s books offer a captivating exploration of human nature and societal issues through his witty and engaging storytelling. His insightful commentary on various ideological lessons such as corruption, manipulation, and the complexities of human relationships continue to resonate with readers, making his work a timeless and valuable contribution to the mystery and crime fiction genre. Whether it’s through his compelling characters or thought-provoking plots, Rice’s ability to craft stories that transcend time and place is a testament to his enduring legacy in literature.
FAQs about author Craig Rice
The content is being updated …
