The Screaming Skull and Other Stories - Paperback

by Sydney Horler (Author)

This collection brings together novellas and short stories of intrigue, adventure, crime, and mystery from the pen of Sydney Horler (1888-1954). Several feature agents from British intelligence sent on dangerous missions, some trace the paths of crime, while others dance in the darkness of supernatural mystery.

The Screaming Skull: Young Martin Lorne is sent on 'holiday' in Exmoor, to investigate a wealthy, but very dangerous, man who has taken residence of a house with an unnatural reputation.

The White Witch of Curzon Street: Peter Foyle is happily married, but when a woman from his past appears, he must deal with her not just for his sake, but his country's . . .

The Vampire: A priest takes confession from a killer who may be more than he appears.

The Traitress: A novelist finds himself enmeshed in deadly intrigue with zealous secret service agents on one side and a compelling woman on the other.

Mr. Pettiloe Cites a Case: A retiring solicitor argues that murder can be justified (from personal experience).

Churned Turf: Part crime story, part sports story, this coming-of-age adventure follows the tale of Dick Cavendish, raised to be a footballer, but is too lazy to stick it out. Losing his inheritance and falling in with a bad crowd, he finds himself targeted by criminals, barely escaping their initial ploy. Deciding to turn his life around, he starts to re-build his life, but finds you can't so easily escape your past.

Black Magic: Sebastian Quin, occult detective, is hired by a young woman who is being targeted by an evil man who uses unholy means to get what he wants.

The Screaming Skull and Other Stories was published in 1930.