My sixth collection of short stories was published in 2022 by Soho Press (USA) and Sphere (UK).

It includes a ‘story within a story,’ telling of an embarrassing encounter forty years ago with Ellery Queen (the late Fred Dannay) after I submitted my first-ever short story to his magazine in 1981. The Bathroom is reprinted in the new collection together with my account of the real murders that inspired it.

“The sixteen dazzling selections in this inviting collection from MWA Grand Master Lovesey range from his first published short story, ‘The Bathroom’ (1973) to three new ones . . . This is a thoroughly entertaining compendium of the best of the best by one of the best.” Publisher’s Weekly starred review

“The sixteen remarkable tales . . . beg the question: with Peter Lovesey in the world, why does anyone else bother writing mysteries at all? His fiction, both long and short, is charming, the narrative always so smooth it seems effortless, and the plots clever enough to keep even the most suspicious reader guessing (and thrilled) all the way to the delicious end.” Mystery Scene

“Lovesey, whose fans regard him as a one-man Golden Age of Detective Fiction, is with us again bearing 16 short stories plus a history lesson plus a bouncy poem. The qualities that make his work special are all on display here.” Booklist

“A celebratory display of the many things an accomplished veteran can do with the short mystery.” Kirkus Reviews

“Each of the stories is a small gem with a touch of macabre humor. Anyone who knows Peter Lovesey’s work will be delighted by this collection and those who won’t will have a pleasant introduction.” Mystery & Suspense Magazine