The Case of the Gilded Fly

"The Case of the Gilded Fly" is the debut of Oxford-based detective Gervase Fen, a witty and unconventional sleuth in a classic locked-room mystery filled with literary allusions. Published during World War II, the story introduces Fen as he investigates the puzzling death of a spiteful young actress found near his college, blending clever plotting with humor and literary charm. Renowned for its elegant writing and engaging detective work, this novel marks the beginning of Edmund Crispin’s celebrated crime fiction career.