This richly illustrated volume presents The Classic Collection of James Hadley Chase, featuring twenty of his most gripping and iconic novels. From ruthless gangsters and hard-boiled detectives to seductive femmes fatales and elaborate heists, this collection immerses readers in a noir universe where crime rules and trust is a dangerous game.
At the heart of the collection is No Orchids for Miss Blandish, a violent and controversial masterpiece that redefined British crime fiction with its brutal realism and American-inspired underworld. In The Dead Stay Dumb and Miss Callaghan Comes to Grief, Chase paints vivid portraits of ambition gone wrong and the deadly cost of betrayal. Miss Shumway Waves a Wand offers a rare foray into satirical fantasy, showcasing his ability to blend suspense with unexpected humor. The Flesh of the Orchid, a sequel to his breakout novel, continues the saga of vengeance and survival with psychological depth and a thrilling pace.
Across these twenty stories, Chase crafts a world where morality is blurred and justice is anything but guaranteed. His trademark style — tight plotting, razor-sharp dialogue, and unrelenting tension — makes each novel a page-turning experience.
Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his work, this definitive collection is an essential treasure trove of 20th-century crime fiction. Perfectly suited for lovers of noir, pulp thrillers, and classic mystery, it is a tribute to one of the most widely read thriller writers of his era.
Contents:
Novels
• No Orchids for Miss Blandish
• The Flesh of the Orchid
• The Dead Stay Dumb
• Miss Callaghan Comes to Grief
• Miss Shumway Waves a Wand
• You Never Know with Women
• You're Lonely When You're Dead
Short Story Collection
• Get a Load of This
• Two Thumb a Ride
• Morning Visit
• Twist in the Tale
• Conversation Piece
• The General Dies in Bed
• The Magnificent Opportunity
• Walk In The Park
• The Place of Love
• Vigil
• Night Out • Skin Deep
• Overheard
• Painted Angel