Five-Minute Mysteries, 4: A Further 36 Cases of Murder and Mayhem for You to Solve

Steven Greenhalgh is the research librarian in the Department of Public
Health Sciences at the University of Alberta.

This latest instalment from Ken Weber, “a self-confessed trivia
freak,” is ideal for anyone who loves to solve a good mystery. The
volume’s 36 murder mysteries vary in difficulty, as indicated by the
fingerprint symbol at the beginning of each case (one fingerprint
denotes a mystery that’s easy to solve; three fingerprints signal
those that are most difficult). Settings for the mysteries differ
greatly, ranging from the esteemed halls of the United Nations to the
deserted parking lot of sleazy cocktail bar. As Weber notes in his
introduction, the mysteries also feature a wide array of characters,
including police detectives, medical examiners, and secret agents.

All of the cases test the reader’s attention to detail, powers of
observation, and ability to recall. Some mysteries may baffle, while the
answer for others becomes obvious. Readers are challenged to solve each
mystery on their own, but those desiring quick answers will find the
solutions at the back of the book. Armchair sleuths will have lots of
fun solving this amusing collection of brainteasers and
whodunits—Five-Minute Mysteries, 4 is the perfect read for anyone with
some time to kill.