Vintage & Classic Crime Books

From well-loved detective fiction to true accounts of real cases, our crime books for sale span classic mysteries, thrillers and criminal history. Looking for Agatha Christie specifically? Visit our dedicated Agatha Christie Books collection, or use the search bar above to find a particular author or title.

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Signed, Vintage and True Crime Books

“All crime fiction boils down to 'why do we keep doing these terrible things?'”

— Ian Rankin

A well-thumbed detective novel gives away its favourite passages before you've read a page: the spine creased at the reveal, a corner turned down at the moment everything changes. A signed first edition tells you something else entirely, that the author who dreamed up the crime once held this exact copy in their hands.

This collection brings together classic detective fiction from names like Agatha Christie and Josephine Tey, spy and psychological thrillers from John le Carré and Dennis Wheatley, and Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus novels, several signed by the author. Alongside the fiction, you'll find genuine true crime: first-hand and historical accounts of real cases and trials, including some antique reports on cases that made headlines in their day.

Every crime book is checked and described individually, with any wear, foxing or previous ownership marks noted before it goes on sale. New crime fiction and true crime titles are added regularly, so it's always worth a look if you don't spot exactly what you're after today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of crime books do you sell?

Our crime books span classic detective fiction, spy and psychological thrillers, and true crime accounts of real cases, plus much more across different eras and authors. Browse the collection above or use the search bar to look for a particular author or title.

Do you have books by Agatha Christie?

Yes, a few Agatha Christie titles appear in this collection, and we also keep a dedicated Agatha Christie Books collection where you can browse her mysteries specifically.

Do you have signed or first edition crime books?

We do, including signed Ian Rankin and Iain Banks titles and a first edition true crime book. Signed copies and first editions are noted clearly in the individual listing, so check there for details before buying.

Do you sell true crime books, or just crime fiction?

Both. Alongside classic and vintage crime fiction, we stock genuine true crime: first-hand and historical accounts of real trials and criminal cases, some of which are antique in their own right.

What condition are the crime books in?

We photograph each book closely so you can see its binding, pages and general condition before you buy. Condition varies from book to book depending on how it's been looked after over the years, and anything worth knowing is noted in the listing.

Are crime books a good gift idea?

They can be, especially for a reader who already has a favourite author or subject in this genre. A signed novel by a favourite crime writer, or a true crime account of a case they're interested in, tends to make a more personal gift than a general classic.

Are these books ex-library or previously owned?

Some are ex-library copies, and most have had at least one previous owner, which is part of the character of a vintage or antique book. We note anything relevant, like library stamps or inscriptions, in the individual listing.

Do you ship crime books internationally?

Yes, crime books ship both within the UK and abroad, with free delivery on UK orders over £50.

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