The Massingham Butterfly

1926 first American edition, Small, Maynard and Co. (Boston, Massachusetts), 5 1/4 x 7 5/8 inches tall orange cloth hardcover, green ruling and lettering to front cover and spine, v, 292 pp. Very slight soiling, rubbing and edgewear to covers. Otherwise, a near fine copy - clean, bright and unmarked - in a soiled, rubbed, edgeworn and chipped dust jacket which is nonetheless nicely preserved and displayed in a clear archival Brodart sleeve. ~SP16~ [2.0P] A collection of 15 mystery and adventure short stories by British author J.S. Fletcher (1863-1935), one of the most prolific English writers of detective fiction. The collection is known for its precise, almost 'geometrical' plotting, featuring tales that blend elements of mystery, love, and adventure. Unlike many of Fletcher?s longer novels that follow a strict detective formula, these stories often focus on clever swindles, pursuits of criminals, and atmospheric intrigue rather than complex 'puzzle-plot' deductions. Among the highlights: The Title Story involves the mystery of two rare butterfly specimens made of paste, solved by an expert named Champanhaye. 'The Houseboat': Highlighted by contemporary reviewers for its 'O. Henry-style' twist, this humorous story follows two pairs of siblings who both unknowingly buy the same houseboat from a rogue. 'Don Quixote of Scotland Yard': Another notable entry in the collection that balances the author's usual mystery themes with character-driven narrative.…