It Walks by Night. Illustrated

It Walks by Night (1930) marks the chilling and masterful debut of John Dickson Carr, one of the greatest writers of the locked-room mystery genre. Introducing the eccentric and brilliant sleuth Henri Bencolin, this novel weaves a tale of terror, illusion, and impossible murder in the shadowy corners of 1920s Paris.

The story begins at the prestigious Fenelli Club, where the decapitated body of the Duc de Saligny is discovered in a sealed room—mere minutes after he entered. The murderer has vanished into thin air, leaving behind no trace. As Bencolin and his American friend Jeff Marle investigate, they are pulled into a dark web of deceit, insanity, and vengeance, where every character harbors secrets and nothing is what it seems.

Carr's writing is atmospheric and gothic, evoking the eerie elegance of classic horror while delivering a meticulously plotted detective puzzle. The novel balances cerebral deduction with spine-tingling suspense, showcasing Carr’s unmatched ability to create seemingly impossible crimes and then unravel them with stunning logic.

It Walks by Night is not just a whodunit—it's a howdunit of the highest order, brimming with psychological tension, shadowy intrigue, and a haunting sense of dread. This illustrated edition enhances the immersive experience, offering visual glimpses into the sinister world Carr so vividly creates.

A must-read for fans of classic mysteries, this novel is the perfect introduction to the macabre brilliance of John Dickson Carr and the unforgettable detective Henri Bencolin.