This image is the cover for the book Death in Captivity, British Library Crime Classics

Death in Captivity, British Library Crime Classics

Discover the captivating treasures buried in the British Library's archives. Largely inaccessible to the public until now, this classic crime novel, featuring the challenges of World War II, was written in the golden age of detective fiction.

"Any book by Michael Gilbert is a treat"—Daily Telegraph

A man is found dead in an escape tunnel beneath an Italian prisoner-of-war camp. Did he die in an accidental collapse—or was this murder? Captain Henry 'Cuckoo' Goyles, master tunneller and amateur detective, takes up the case.

This classic locked-room mystery with a closed circle of suspects is woven together with a thrilling story of escape from the camp, as the Second World War nears its endgame, and the British prisoners prepare to flee into the Italian countryside.

Perfect for readers of Sophie Hannah and Louise Penny!

Also in the British Library Crime Classics:

Smallbone Deceased

The Body in the Dumb River

Blood on the Tracks

Surfeit of Suspects

Death Has Deep Roots

Checkmate to Murder

Michael Gilbert

Michael Gilbert (1912-2006) was a founding member of the Crime Writers' Association. He wrote thrillers, police procedurals and espionage novels that rank among the highest and most varied achievements of British crime writing in the second half of the twentieth century.

Poisoned Pen Press