Intended for teachers of grades 4-8, this book presents eight plays based on classic mysteries by famous writers such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ellery Queen, Dashiell Hammett, and O. Henry. The excitement of mystery stories offers a great way to introduce young people to the pleasures of reading. The plays in the book have been selected to give students a broad exposure to the roots of the mystery genre and a sampling of the most common forms of mystery stories. Play titles are: (1) "Rappaccini's Daughter" (Nathaniel Hawthorne); (2) "The Purloined Letter" (Edgar Allan Poe); (3) "Silver Blaze" (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle); (4) "The Ethics of Pig" (O. Henry); (5) "After 20 Years" (O. Henry); (6) "The Seven Cream Jugs" (Saki); (7) "The Tenth Clew" (Dashiell Hammett); and (8) "As Simple as ABC" (Ellery Queen). The book includes tales of blackmail and con artists, hardboiled murders and elaborate whodunits, along with introductions to some of the world's favorite detectives. It suggests that once students have read or performed the plays, they should be encouraged to investigate the local library or bookstore for more mystery stories. Each play includes suggestions for further reading and activities. (CR)