Special Sub-Topic: Theatre Mysteries Click Here To Play: Theatre Mysteries

In my opinion, the best play of the genre is 'Sleuth'. Who wrote it?

Anthony Shaffer. Brilliant writing by Anthony Shaffer - who never quite found the formula again. 'Murderer' and 'Whodunit' were his - but they were pale imitations which enjoyed (deservedly) only modest success. (Don't judge this fine play by the mediocre movie version that followed).

'Equus' is a bit of a stretch here. The play doesn't deal with identifying who committed the {crime;} it focuses on a different issue.

Why the crime was committed. We know from the start who did the deed, but the question is: why did he do it? A psychological piece from the talented writer who gave us 'Black Comedy' and 'Amadeus', among other fine works.

'Mousetrap' was a huge hit with a long, long run. Who wrote it?

Agatha Christie. One of the earliest mystery plays to have a big success.

This play is the longest running off-Broadway non-musical.

'Perfect Crime'. 'Murderer' and 'Whodunit' are by Anthony Shaffer - (see comments to question 1). 'Getting Away' is co-authored by (of all people) Stephen Sondheim. Why 'Perfect Crime' has done so well is a mystery to me: it's not very good.

The author of 'Deathtrap' also wrote this popular novel.

'Rosemary's Baby'. Ira Levin wrote both. 'Deathtrap' has been very successful, but it has a weak second act and a weaker ending. Go figure.

'The Letter' was turned into a good Bette Davis movie. Who was the author of the play?

Somerset Maugham. It was Maugham ('Of Human Bondage'). Again, we know who committed the crime - the question is: why did she do it?

'Witness for the Prosecution' was a big hit. To whom does the title refer?

The suspect's wife. Marlene Dietrich in the fine movie version with Charles Laughton.

'Murder in the Cathedral' may not fit comfortably with the other entires here, but it does concern murder. Who wrote it?

T.S. Eliot. Yes, he did plays, too.

Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' was described as 'The Macbeth Murder Mystery' in a famous essay by this writer.

James Thurber. Cute idea, I guess.

'Ten Little Indians' was a classic whodunit. By what other titles is it known?

'And Then There Were None'. There are too many movie versions of this to count. Some work well, some are less fortunate.