A very wide range of stories, some from established names --van Gulik, de la Torre, Ellis Peters, Melville Davison Post --others newer writers, some of whom I do not care fr as much. ( )

This is the second in Mike Ashley's series of wide-ranging historical detective stories. The reader should be aware that in addition to these, he also has anthologies keyed to particular eras, such as the classical world. What an amazing breadth of knowledge about the mystery field he must have!

I particularly like Ashley, not only for the quality, but also the variety of stories that he includes. Some of these stories appear here for the first time, but he also includes stories that were popular decades ago. Doubly historic, one might say. It's a great place to discover new authors and series. He has introductions about the authors and also about the series, when the latter applies. ( )

One of my favorite whodunits of all time.. ( )