Bestseller Mystery No B114 Place For A Poisoner By Ecr Lorac Appraisal

Bestseller Mystery No. B114: 'Place for a Poisoner' by E.C.R. Lorac

This is a vintage mass-market paperback edition of the mystery novel 'Place for a Poisoner' by E.C.R. Lorac (pseudonym for Edith Caroline Rivett), published as part of the 'Bestseller Mystery' series by Mercury Publications. The book features a softcard cover with a vibrant red background and a central black-and-white graphic frame. The cover includes a small illustrative vignette at the bottom showing a gun and a hat, signed by the artist 'Salter' (George Salter). A 'Mercury Publication 35¢' seal is visible in the top right corner. The volume is noted as being 'Complete and Unabridged'. Physically, the book exhibits significant signs of age and handling, including creasing along the spine, edge wear with minor chipping, and rounded corners. There are prominent handwritten notations in black ink on the top front cover, including 'X 72' and a date '9/12/15' (likely 1950s/60s era based on pricing and style). The binding shows stress at the joints, though it appears intact. This specific series was popular in the late 1940s and early 1950s, characterized by its digest-sized format and distinctive cover art. The presence of the Salter cover design is a hallmark of quality for this publishing house's aesthetic, adding collectible interest despite the visible wear and markings.