Crime Through Time by Miriam Grace Monfredo & Sharan Newman, Berkeley Prime Crime 1997 – paperback – historical mystery short story collection
Note: this is a slightly edited post originally put up in 2015.
A few years back, I saw a mention of this somewhere and it sounded interesting so I picked up a copy. I had been reading a few historical mysteries and this seemed like just the ticket to discover new authors and read a little more by the names I knew. The collection contains twenty one stories by an impressive list of authors.
The stories are arranged in chronological order, beginning with Lynda S. Robinson’s “Death of a Place-Seeker, featuring Lord Meren, the protagonist of her novels set in Egypt. If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading any of these [Murder in the Place of Anubis, Murder at God’s Gate, Murder at the Feast of Rejoicing and Eater of Souls] or if you have wondered if you would like them, this short story will give you an idea of the character and atmosphere of the books. That’s the nice thing about ALL of the stories in this collection, they give an excellent introduction to these authors and their works. I won’t go on at length about each story, but I will list some of the authors: Steven Saylor (Rome), Sharan Newman (1142 France), Edward Marston (Elizabethan England), Leonard Tourney (Elizabethan England – I particularly liked this one), Peter Lovesey (1860 England), Troy Soos (1894 Baltimore), Anne Perry (188? England, another real goodie), Barbara Paul (1917 New York), Michael Pearce (early 1900’s Cairo), Laurie King (1918 England), Edward Hoch (1920 England), Ken Kuhlken (1941 San Diego) and several others.
There was only one story of all these that I didn’t particularly like (I won’t tell you, perhaps you’ll guess when you read the engrossing collection). This will give you a great look at many top historical mystery authors and may turn you into a fan of the subgenre. If you’re already a fan, this will be a real treat! Highly Recommended.
note: there were a second and third collection (Crime Through Time II and III).
Tip the Wink 
I agree totally. I loved this collection, and the sequels were very good too. I don’t think I have them anymore, or I would be tempted to reread them.
These stories were worth rereading, Jeff.
Like Jeff, I’ve read some of the CRIME THROUGH TIME anthologies and enjoyed them. Sadly, no major publisher would be interested in publishing this kind of book today. Only small publishers would even attempt it.
You’re right, George, and it’s a shame. Mass market paperbacks were a great success, and they’re rare these days.
Great list of authors. Sounds like fun.
It is, Patti. If you can find a copy, you’ll enjoy reading it.
Hello, Richard! I can’t say I have read any of the authors mentioned, though I’m familiar with most of them. A fine collection of crime stories, it’d seem.
Prashant! Good to see you drop in! This is an older collection you may be able to find if there are still any used book stores there.
Not many used bookstores in Mumbai, Richard, though we do have a few well-stocked pavement booksellers. But it’s still a treasure hunt of old and rare books.
This sounds very good. I like the idea of stories set in different time periods. I don’t know that I have ever read historical fiction short stories.
You have read Lynda S. Robinson’s books? I had just pulled out Murder in the Place of Anubis to read sometime soon.
I read the first one, maybe the second. Don’t remember much, must have been a while. You seem to have more reading energy than I.