Stanley Ellin's first short story, 'The Specialty Of The House', about a New York restaurant with a special gourmet menu, was published in 'Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine' in 1948 and caused an immediate sensation, winning him a special Ellery Queen Award.

'The House Party' and 'The Blessington Method' subsequently both won Edgar Awards. Stanley Ellin, who was made a Grand Master of the Mystery Writers of America in 1980, is acknowledged as one of the great masters of the 20th century short story, and this volume brings together the best of his work in the genre.

'Crime Masterworks' is a library of the greatest crime fiction ever written, chosen with the help of today's leading crimewriters and critics. However, they are categorised - hard-boiled, suspense, police procedural - all books in the series are the best of their kind.