From the files and pen of world renowned true crime writer Alan Hynd (1903–1974) comes a deliciously dark sampling of some of the most fascinating true murder cases of the first half of the 20th Century. These stories, the first of three short collections, are unified by a single theme: they all involve physicians. And not for the autopsy, but as perpetrators or accused perpetrators. You may never see your family care giver again in the same light. Told in the characteristic wry, anecdotal reportorial style that made Alan Hynd famous in his day (two wartime best sellers in 1943, contributions to The Reader's Digest, Colliers, Coronet, The Saturday Evening Post, True, Liberty, The American Mercury and almost every true detective magazine in print) these tales will have you cringing one minute, laughing the next, and gasping in shock a moment later. Truly, no one could make up classics like these. Take for example, the murder ring of South Philadelphia in which a faith healer and two Lotharios helped restless wives rid themselves of abusive unwanted husbands…or the respected French war hero who was a pillar of the community by day but prowled brothels and music halls by night and was caught with a cadaver sealed within the walls of his home….or the traveling physician who married a farmer's ex-wife and had four step-sons, then three, then two, then… And finally, as a bonus track, relax and savor the wickedly evil doings of "Sister Amy Archer" at the Archer convalescent home in Connecticut, where old folks checked out just a little too quickly for comfort. The events eventually became the basis of "Arsenic and Old Lace," the hit play and iconic movie. As the old adages go, you couldn't make this stuff up… and true crime is always farther out there than fiction. (With illustrations)

The Ogre of Barega? Not this dad! Vet Jessica Harvey had need of Dr. Niall Mountmarche's professional services, and it was clear that he needed her loving support of his small daughter, Paige. Jess had to convince Niall that being reclusive and behaving like the Ogre of Barega wasn't the best way of helping Paige overcome her problems – or his own! But no matter how close the three of them became, Jess knew that Niall was holding something back, just as she was. If she could confide her past to him, would Niall stay on the island? It didn't seem likely…

The perfect wedding? Dr. Fern Rycroft had disappointed the islanders by not returning to work there, so she agreed to her aunt's wishes that she marry Sam on the island. But Fern hadn't anticipated two things – the actions of Lizzy Hurst, who adored Sam and wanted to stop the wedding, and meeting the new doctor, Quinn Gallagher. Lizzy's antics resulted in massage food poisoning, so Fern had no choice except to work with Dr. Gallagher, and by the time the panic was over Fern knew the wedding was off – at least to Sam

Dr. Tessa Westcott burst into Mike Llewellyn's life like a redheaded whirlwind. She wore stilettos, she said exactly what she thought and she turned his orderly world upside down. It wouldn't last. She was only around until her grandfather recovered his health, and there was no need to stay longer than necessary. But Mike had to admit that she lightened his workload and brightened his life. How could he persuade her that his wonderful car, his crazy dog and he himself were exactly what Tessa needed?