A clever and unconventional mystery, The Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley is a classic of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. First published in 1929, this brilliantly constructed novel follows a group of amateur sleuths as they attempt to solve a baffling case that has left even Scotland Yard puzzled. When a seemingly innocent box of chocolates is sent to a well-to-do gentleman, it is unknowingly passed on to his wife—who tragically dies after eating them. With no clear suspects and no apparent motive, the police are at a dead end. Enter the members of the Crimes Circle, an elite group of crime enthusiasts and armchair detectives, each determined to crack the case with their own unique theories and deductive methods. As the six members propose their solutions—each seemingly plausible yet leading to a different suspect—the novel becomes a fascinating exploration of logic, deception, and the art of detection itself. But as the truth slowly unravels, it becomes clear that solving a murder is never as simple as it seems. Ingeniously plotted, laced with wit and satire, and full of unexpected twists, The Poisoned Chocolates Case is a must-read for mystery lovers who enjoy a touch of humor alongside their crime-solving. Anthony Berkeley’s masterpiece remains one of the most inventive and entertaining detective novels ever written.
