Pamela Jean Branch (1920-1967), an English author of humorous mysteries, was born in India and educated in the south of England and in Paris. She studied acting for a year, travelled through the mountains of India and returned to England long enough to marry the solicitor Newton Branch before moving with him to Cyprus. She was apparently independently wealthy. She died of cancer at age 47.

Our latest reprints (Rue Morgue Press) are the first two books by Pamela Branch, The Wooden Overcoat and Lion in the Cellar, both first published in 1951 and both making their first appearance in the U.S. in our editions. When these came out stodgier critics complained that humor, at least at this level, didn't mix with homicide. Of course, these guys probably thought John Rhode was too funny... In any event, we think they are an absolute riot and will be doing her other two later this spring. -- Tom

Bibliography

The Wooden Overcoat (1951)

Lion in the Cellar (1951)

Murder Every Monday (1954)

Murder's Little Sister (1958)