It is more than twenty years since Philip Dryden first set out to a scene of crime, ferried by his faithful side-kick Humph, in a two-door taxi, across the flooded fens of East Anglia. The cathedral city of Ely became his haunt for seven tales of criem and mystery. The books found many friends – not only reading in English, but German, Dutch, Norwegian, Italian and Japanese – while the stories found an eager audience in the United States. The Water Clock won a ‘Dagger’ from the Crime Writers’ Association.

So it is a real thrill to see Dryden making such a stylish return. Allison & Busby led the way with new paperback editions of the original books. And now Joffe Books have released the first of a series of ebooks (see above). In the fast-moving world of crime fiction it is good to see a sleuth who can meet the test of time. Who knows – one day Dryden and Humph may set out on an entirely new adventure.

Faithful readers may like to drop me a line through this site with their thoughts on Philip Dryden, and his new incarnation in 2024. If you sign up I can also keep you up to date with new releases, and plans for the future.