A monumental mystery anthology edited by Otto Penzler, first published in 2019. Part of Penzler's acclaimed Big Book series, this collection gathers more than 60 classic crime stories that later inspired some of the greatest mystery, noir, thriller, and horror films in cinema history.

Rather than telling a single story, the anthology presents the original literary works behind iconic movies. Each story is accompanied by an insightful introduction from Penzler explaining its author, historical context, and how it was adapted for the screen. The collection spans detective fiction, noir, suspense, horror, crime, and psychological thrillers, allowing readers to compare the original stories with their famous film versions.

The anthology includes works by legendary authors such as:

• Agatha Christie
• Arthur Conan Doyle
• Edgar Allan Poe
• Dashiell Hammett
• Ian Fleming
• Robert Louis Stevenson
• W. Somerset Maugham
• Dennis Lehane
• Joyce Carol Oates
• O. Henry

Among the featured inspirations are stories that became classic films such as The Body Snatcher, Secret Agent, The Wild One, and adaptations connected to the James Bond franchise. Many stories differ significantly from their film versions, making the anthology fascinating for both readers and movie lovers.