Author: Ellsworth Huntington

Annie Haynes (1865–1929) was a pioneering figure in the Golden Age of detective fiction, an era renowned for its classic whodunits and engaging sleuths. Though the details of her personal life are relatively obscure, her contribution to the genre remains significant. As a contemporary of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers, Haynes helped to shape the genre with her keen insight into human psychology and skilful plotting. Unfortunately, her work was often overshadowed by her peers, and it wasn”t until the rediscovery and reissue of her novels by publishers like Dean Street Press that her name resurfaced for modern audiences. Haynes” oeuvre is marked by a variety of intriguing protagonists and meticulous attention to detail, as displayed in “The Collected Works of Annie Haynes.” This collection showcases her literary style, which often involves methodical detectives and intricate puzzles. Her books often feature early examples of strong female characters, both as victims and as sleuths, reflecting social changes regarding women”s roles in society during the early twentieth century. Haynes” work, while not as widely recognized as some of her contemporaries, remains an important part of the crime fiction canon and offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of the detective story.