The Master of Mysteries

“Astro and Valeska are also superior detectives, uncovering mysteries major and minor among the moneyed classes. What’s hidden from them – but not the reader – is their growing attraction. The resolution is equal parts dated and sweet, but also earned.” – New York Times“First published in book form in 1912, the 24 short stories by humorist Burgess (1866-1951) in this exemplary Library of Congress Crime Classics reissue feature Astro the Seer, whose intellect allows him to make Holmesian deductions. Those seeking quality Sherlock Holmes pastiches in a humorous vein will be well rewarded.” – Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

FRANK GELETT BURGESS was an artist, art critic, poet, humorist, and author. An important figure in the San Francisco Bay Area literary renaissance of the 1890s, particularly through his magazine, The Lark, he is best known as a writer of nonsense verse such as “The Purple Cow,” and for introducing French modern art to the United States in an essay titled “The Wild Men of Paris.” He was the author of the popular Goops books, and he coined the term “blurb.”