Enter Sir John. Illustrated

Enter Sir John is a captivating blend of courtroom drama, theatrical flair, and classic detective fiction, co-written by Clemence Dane and Helen Simpson. This golden age mystery introduces readers to the charismatic Sir John Saumarez—a renowned actor-manager who unexpectedly steps into the role of amateur sleuth when a murder casts a dark shadow over the London stage.

When young actress Martella Baring is accused of murdering a fellow performer, the evidence appears overwhelming and the case hopeless. But Sir John, convinced of her innocence and driven by a sense of justice, begins his own investigation behind the scenes of both theatre and society. With charm, wit, and an actor’s eye for motive and character, he unravels a tangled web of jealousy, ambition, and deception.

This illustrated edition brings the period vividly to life, capturing the glamour and shadows of 1920s theatre culture. The authors—both accomplished writers in their own right—combine their talents to create a mystery that’s as intelligent and sophisticated as it is entertaining. The novel also inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s 1930 film Murder!, making it a landmark in crime fiction and cinematic adaptation.

Stylish, atmospheric, and psychologically sharp, Enter Sir John is a must-read for fans of theatrical mysteries and vintage whodunits. It stands as a brilliant collaboration between two pioneering women writers who helped shape the genre.