Julian Symons (1912-1994) was one of the greatest mystery writers to emerge after World War II. He was recognized with the Crime Writers Association’s highest honor, The Cartier Diamond Dagger for Lifetime Achievement and the Mystery Writers of America honored him as a Grand Master.

In 1950, for a long-running series of short-short stories for London’s Evening Standard newspaper, Symons invented private detective Francis Quarles. After engaging in mysterious activites during the Second World War, Quarles opened an office in Trafalgar Square, from where he investigates puzzles ranging from robbery to murder.

The Detections of Francis Quarles contains 41 previously uncollected investigations.

The book is edited John Cooper, co-author of the definitive Detective Fiction: The Collectors' Guide. The cover painting is by Carol Heyer, and the Lost Classics design is by Deborah Miller.