– Closed-Room Mystery . An homage to Agatha Christie, set on a luxury steamship.

– Killer Mystery . Fandorin returns to Moscow to investigate the death of a war hero.

– Technocratic/Nostalgic Mystery . Three stories exploring Fandorin’s "retirement" adventures.

– Conman/Slasher Mystery . A pair of novellas: The Jack of Spades and The Decorator .

– Spy Mystery . Set against the backdrop of the Russo-Turkish War.

While many readers enjoy them out of order, following Fandorin's life chronologically reveals the deep evolution of his character—from a naive young clerk to a weary, stoic "man of the world."