Richard Deming (1915-1983) wrote prolifically for magazines (more than 200 short stories) as well as for major book publishers (more than two dozen novels, ranging from original crime novels to media tie-ins (Dragnet and The Mod Squad) to even a pseudonymous nautical series involving submarines. He was a meticulous professional who never disappointed readers.

Included here are 15 of his best crime tales, including:

THE ART OF DEDUCTION

THE CLOCK IS CUCKOO

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

STOLEN GOODS

MR. OLEM'S SECRET

CHEERS

HE'LL KILL YOU

A GIRL MUST BE PRACTICAL

ACTING JOB

BLACK BELT

A PUTTING AWAY OF TOYS

DAN AND THE DEATH-CELL BLUFF

HOUSEBOAT

NICE GUY

A GOOD FRIEND

THIS IS MY NIGHT (Novel Sample)

DRAGNET: THE CASE OF THE COURTEOUS KILLER (Novel Sample)

PACIFIC STANDOFF (Novel Sample)