By Daphne du Maurier

"Rebecca" is a novel by British author Daphne du Maurier, first published in 1938. The novel is a gothic romance and psychological thriller that tells the story of an unnamed young woman who marries a wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and moves into his estate, Manderley.

The new Mrs. de Winter soon realizes that the shadow of Maxim's first wife, Rebecca, who died in mysterious circumstances, still looms large over the house and its inhabitants. She feels like an outsider in her own home and is haunted by the memory of Rebecca, who was beautiful, charismatic, and seemingly perfect. As she tries to uncover the truth about Rebecca's death, the new Mrs. de Winter becomes entangled in a web of deceit, jealousy, and danger.

The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of the English countryside, its atmospheric portrayal of Manderley, and its exploration of themes such as love, identity, jealousy, and the nature of truth. It has been adapted into several films, stage productions, and a television series, and is considered one of du Maurier's most popular and enduring works.

London. Gollancz. 1936. 283p.

By Josef Hoffmann

Josef Hoffmann covers influences and inspirations in crime writing with references to a stellar cast of crime writers including Arthur Conan Doyle, G. K. Chesterton, Dashiell Hammett, Albert Camus, Borges, Agatha Christie, Raymond Chandler, and Ted Lewis. Hoffmann examines why crime literature may provide stronger consolation for readers than philosophy. In so doing, he demonstrates the truth of Wittgenstein's claim that more wisdom is contained in the best crime fiction than in philosophical essays. Josef Hoffmann's combination of knowledge, academic acuity, and enthusiasm makes this a must-have book for any crime fiction aficionado—with or without a philosophical nature.

Harpenden, Herts, UK: No Exit Press, 2013. 192p.