The Amazing Martin Brett: Classic Crime Stories / the Beard of the Prophet: a Mr. Budd Classic Crime Tale (Wildside Mystery Double #13)

In the tradition of the old Ace Doubles (flip the book over to read the second title), here's the thirteenth Wildside Mystery Double: THE AMAZING MARTIN BRETT: CLASSIC CRIME STORIES, by Ernest Dudley. The creator of the famous criminologist, Dr. Morelle, here gives us four stories of another brilliant detective, whom the newspapers have dubbed "The Amazing Martin Brett." Brett appears to be selfish and lazy, and his effort at solving crimes is entirely motivated by the size of his fee. His attractive secretary (and narrator) is often the butt of his sardonic humor and sexist remarks, which she finds unnecessary and uncalled for. But she puts up with him because she suspects Brett has a secret sorrow, some woman in his past...and, as a detective, he ALWAYS solves his cases! THE BEARD OF THE PROPHET: A MR. BUDD CLASSIC CRIME TALE, by Gerald Verner. The murder is as impossible as it is horrible. Archeologist Reuben Hayles, following written threats to his life, receives police protection at his home. Superintendent Budd stations himself outside the door of his bedroom, while Sergeant Leek remains on alert outside the room's only external window. Yet Hayles is found dead, his head battered by some tremendous blow. Apart from his corpse, the room is empty, devoid of any possible weapon. A search reveals no hidden panels, so how has the man been killed? A classic impossible crime novel featuring Verner's most famous detective!