Like Malamud and Jackson, Avram Davidson brought a unique level of charm, wit, and intrigue to the short story form. Collected here for the first time are his remarkable mystery tales, including the 1815 investigations of New York's Chief Constable; a sinister lesson in New England thrift; New Amsterdam river pirates versus the KGB; treachery in nursing home; and expatriates who will kill for a little peace and quiet. "Aficionados of short mystery fiction will be hard-pressed to find any more ingenious and entertaining stories than those in this volume." --Bill Pronzini, author of Boobytrap