A VINTAGE MYSTERY LIBRARY

THRILLING DETECTIVE & ADVENTURE TALES FROM THE 19TH CENTURY

First published in 1883 by Norman L. Munro & Company, this iconic series captivated readers with tales of daring detectives, relentless outlaws, and high-stakes mysteries. The publisher boasted "twice as much reading matter" than any other dime novel, often drawing inspiration from true crime events.

Featuring fast-paced storytelling, each issue follows unforgettable characters like the veteran detective Old Cap Collier, whose first name is never revealed. He fits the traditional model of the dime novel detective, assisting the police without any official standing. Operating without official authority, he stops at nothing to solve the case and deliver justice.

The Old Cap Collier Library, published from 1883 to 1899, comprised approximately 822 issues. While the series featured various detective stories, the titular character, Old Cap Collier, appeared in 34 of these tales. The remaining issues introduced a diverse array of detectives and crime narratives, reflecting the era's fascination with mystery and adventure fiction.

These stories transport you to the gritty urban settings of the era, blending suspense, action, and morality in every twist and turn. With hundreds of issues in the collection, the Old Cap Collier Library laid the foundation for modern detective fiction and still inspires readers today.

Dive into this timeless series and rediscover the roots of crime storytelling!

Forgotten Detectives. Dangerous Cases. A Second Chance to Solve Them.

From the alleys of New York to the depths of the underworld, these vintage pulp mysteries brought justice to the shadows. Now, a lost generation of crime fiction is back in print — and you're invited to read the first one, free.

Get your free ebook today — or claim the print edition free (just pay shipping) when you subscribe.

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★★★★★ Rated 4.9 out of 5
“One of the most gripping detective stories I've read in years — impossible to put down.”
— J.L., Vintage Mystery Fan
10 products
  • Old Cap Collier Library
    Back From the Dead, Or, The Old Hypnotist's Crime

    BACK FROM THE DEAD, OR, THE OLD HYPNOTIST'S CRIME

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  • Old Cap Collier Library
    Bogus Dime, The North Pole Detective, OR Hunting the Needle Fiend

    BOGUS DIME, THE NORTH POLE DETECTIVE, OR HUNTING THE NEEDLE FIEND

    In the gritty streets of Slab City, a chilling murder shakes the town when the beautiful Alice ...

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  • Old Cap Collier Library
    Into the Heart of Australia, OR A Strange Bargain and Its Consequences

    INTO THE HEART OF AUSTRALIA, OR A STRANGE BARGAIN AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

    In the shadows of New York’s wealthiest avenues, where secrets fester behind gilded doors, a pe...

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  • Old Cap Collier Library
    Larry Murtagh's Missing Ear Case

    LARRY MURTAGH'S MISSING EAR CASE

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  • Old Cap Collier Library
    Old Broadbrim Trumping the Trick

    OLD BROADBRIM TRUMPING THE TRICK

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  • Genre: Not specified
    Old Search and the Stranglers

    OLD SEARCH AND THE STRANGLERS

    In the gritty underworld of New York's sewers, Joe Phenix, the notorious sewer rat, stumbles upon...

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  • Crime & mystery
    Old Search’s Victory

    OLD SEARCH’S VICTORY

    In the gritty streets of Hell's Kitchen, Old Search must unravel the mystery of a notorious murde...

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  • Genre: Not specified
    Spruce Street Tragedy

    SPRUCE STREET TRAGEDY

    Step into the world of Old Spicer, a legendary detective embroiled in a riveting double mystery. ...

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  • Old Cap Collier Library
    The Lawyer Detective, OR Mystery at Three Oaks Ranch

    THE LAWYER DETECTIVE, OR MYSTERY AT THREE OAKS RANCH

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