AA

Nicholas Blake

EnglishJuly 27, 1904 – May 22, 1972Detective Fiction

Nicholas Blake was the pen name of Poet Laureate Cecil Day-Lewis, who wrote sophisticated detective novels featuring the ineffectual but perceptive Nigel Strangeways. His novels combined genuine literary quality with well-constructed puzzles and wit. He was a member of the Detection Club and his work is considered among the most literary in the Golden Age tradition.

Works

  • A Question of ProofMystery about murder at school and questions of guilt and innocence→
  • The Beast Must DieMystery about revenge and murder in complex psychological narrative→
  • The Smiler with the KnifePolitical thriller about fascist conspiracy in Britain→
  • Minute for MurderMystery with murder and corporate intrigue in tight timeframe→
  • The Private WoundMystery set in Ireland exploring past trauma and present danger→
  • Thou Shell of DeathDetective mystery with locked-room puzzle and psychological depth→
  • There's Trouble Brewing→
  • The Corpse in the SnowmanChristmas mystery featuring detective and unusual murder scene→

Related

Graham Greene·Henry Green Yorke·Evelyn Waugh·Michael Innes·Dorothy L. Sayers·Agatha Christie
Wikipedia →

© 2026 AuthorCV. Some author images are sourced from Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons or public domain licenses; others come from the author or other permitted sources. Biographical data is provided for informational purposes and may contain inaccuracies. Some book links go to products sold directly on this site; others are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, AuthorCV earns from qualifying purchases.

Privacy Policy·Terms