Fifty years ago, then-novice-writer Peter Lovesey's first published short story, "The Bathroom," caught the eye of renowned author Ruth Rendell, spurring him into a much-acclaimed career in crime fiction. Now, more than five decades, 100 short stories, and dozens of bestselling novels later, Lovesey presents this collection of eighteen of his best short works, including his career-launcher, three never-before-published tales, and even an appearance by his beloved detective Peter Diamond. Inhabiting such sinister settings as a monastery, an apiary, a book store, a fancy hat contest, and a community theater stage, these compact but satisfying reads will charm, confound, and captivate mystery lovers! (AG)