The Mystery of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene is a 1930 publication.
Well, what a lovely reminder of a different time and a nostalgic reminder of how The Mystery of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene is a 1930 publication.
Well, what a lovely reminder of a different time and a nostalgic reminder of how much I enjoyed Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries when I was growing up.
In one of the earliest installments in the series, Nancy is on the hunt for a hidden will- one that will provide a great deal of financial relief to relatives who truly deserve the money- but for now it looks as if other, less charitable relatives might be the only legal beneficiaries. Can Nancy find the will in time?
I can’t recall the last time I read a Nancy Drew mystery- but I’m certain I read those published long after this one. I do remember enjoying these books, though, I didn’t read them exclusively as a teen and this series was not my first introduction to mysteries -as my parents still had some old Bobbey Twins books that got passed down to me, which I read before I ever discovered ND. But Nancy was older and a character one could sort of look up to, I think- I know I did.
In the beginning Nancy solves mysteries- but not murder mysteries, but they can still be moderately dangerous. I liked this version of Nancy- she walks that fine line of being sharp, mature for her age, and independent- and pushed an envelope here and there. But she also had values and principles and cared about those who needed a helping hand, making her popular with a broad audience and making it hard to find too much fault with her.
I liked the story, the fast pace, the time and place, the touch of suspense, but mostly I liked the purpose behind Nancy’s involvement and how everything came together in the end. A wonderful YA book – the way one should be presented to the audience it courted.
It’s too bad that young readers today do not have a recent incarnation of Nancy or the Hardy Boys mysteries to read. It’s a shame that the character was allowed to fizzle and fade- not being written in a way that made Nancy a character that young readers could admire and relate to at the same time- while enjoying a good mystery and some clean entertainment.
But at least these books are available in digital format- and can be found in many libraries. It is a relief that they are at least being preserved and who knows- maybe a young person will be curious enough to read one someday- even as the threat of Nancy fading into obscurity looms large- and be inspired to pick up the torch and breathe new life into the character, but with the spirit of the original version of Nancy we see portrayed here…. One can only hope…
Overall, I enjoyed my fun excursion into the past with the first version of Nancy Drew. Though she went through many incarnations over the decades, her mysteries always bring back fond memories and a wistful hope that future generations will someday be able experience the same enjoyment from this series and that Nancy will inspire them the way she inspired me.
The Roman Hat Mystery by Ellery Queen is a 1929 publication.
A murder takes place in a packed theatre and Inspector Richard Queen is called in to inveThe Roman Hat Mystery by Ellery Queen is a 1929 publication.
A murder takes place in a packed theatre and Inspector Richard Queen is called in to investigate. His son, Ellery, a crime novelist, has joined him and together they attempt to solve the most perplexing case the Inspector as ever encountered…
This is the first book of the Ellery Queen mystery series, which was originally published in 1929. The series has a quite a legacy, but I’d never thought of tackling it until I was gifted a copy of one the installments for Christmas one year. I have since acquired a stack of Ellery Queen paperbacks, but unfortunately, the print is so small I can’t read them in that format- which forced me to attempt to find them in digital format so I can adjust the font size.
I do believe that most of the series is digitized, but whew! They want a bit too much for books this old and this short! My local library only had a handful of them to check out… but Hoopla saved the day.
But, after going to all that trouble to track down digital copies- I found this first installment to be incredibly confusing. The bit about the hat droned on and on and on and on until my eyes glazed over.
I love, love, love old mysteries and had really high hopes for this series, but found that it was too slow for my taste and the Queens were not likeable or interesting enough to keep me invested when the plot spun in place for too long.
All that said, my understanding is that this first novel by the authors- who were cousins, if you didn’t already know- is not considered to be a very good representation of their work.
Unfortunately, we are so hardwired to start a series with the first installment, when possible, that this one may not make a strong enough impression to motivate the reader to continue on with the series. At this writing, I don't plan to read another installment for a good long while- but...
With of the books available on Hoopla, in both eBook and audio formats- I may give Queen another chance someday....more
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie is a 2005 William Morrow publication. (Originally published in 1937)
What a gem! It’s always fun to read an AgathaDeath on the Nile by Agatha Christie is a 2005 William Morrow publication. (Originally published in 1937)
What a gem! It’s always fun to read an Agatha Christie Mystery. I believe I read this one many, many years ago, and watched the old movie version starring Peter Ustinov- also many, many years ago. But the details have mostly vanished from my memory now. So, while the story is familiar, I was still riveted from start to finish!
A very clever set up- a guessing game of the highest order. So many ways the story could have gone, and the attention to detail was simply fabulous! Sure, crime fiction readers today are far savvier and more jaded, but still, Christie could still trick anyone unfamiliar with this story, and even if you do know how it ends, it’s still fun to see how she carefully constructed the story, the red herrings, and twists- all ahead of their time.
Overall, just the book I needed right now! Highly engrossing and entertaining!
*I watched the new HBO version after I finished reading the book- yes-despite the disgraced cast member. I was curious to see how it was presented. Not impressed, though. Stick with the book- and the old film version- which, if memory serves was not half bad....more
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie is a 1926 publication.
A magnificent mystery classic!
Poirot is trying to enjoy his retirement in King’The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie is a 1926 publication.
A magnificent mystery classic!
Poirot is trying to enjoy his retirement in King’s Abbot, when he is approached to help investigate the murder of Roger Ackroyd. Due to his retirement, Poirot no longer has Hastings at his side, but his neighbor, Dr. James Sheppard, seamlessly steps into the sidekick role.
Although, Poirot is ‘retired’ his little grey cells are still in fine working order. In fact, our Belgian detective is at the top of his game here as he coaxes secrets, big and small from his list of suspects. I was only mildly disappointed to have surmised the culprit, and the probable motive early on, because I so enjoyed watching Poirot work through all the little details of his observations and laying a masterful trap for our murderer.
This is only the third full length novel in this series, and for its time it was brilliant! A very clever plot, woven beautifully, and skillfully.
Overall, I am once again quite impressed with Christie’s genius and cunning! I’d say this novel solidified Poirot’s popularity and hints at the even greater mysteries he would become famous for solving in the years to come.
4 stars
*This is not the edition I read. I could not get the version I own or the e-book edition I have to load on here. It kept saying 'page not found'. Hope this is a fluke due to the 'beta' page and is something I can update later. ...more
The Notting Hill Mystery by Charles Warren Adams is a 2015 British Crime Library publication. (Originally published in 1862)
Groundbreaking British MysThe Notting Hill Mystery by Charles Warren Adams is a 2015 British Crime Library publication. (Originally published in 1862)
Groundbreaking British Mystery!
Ralph Henderson is an insurance investigator who carefully lays out a solid case of insurance fraud and murder. Much like a police detective would, he uses good old -fashioned shoe leather to conduct interviews and gather evidence. Then, he presents his case in writing, almost like a lawyer would do to convince a jury-who, in this case, happens to be you- the reader!
The details are fascinating, if a bit melodramatic. The Baron R is the prime suspect and poisoning appears to be his modus operandi… that and his talents as Mesmerist. There are a few surprising twists before all is said and done, keeping things interesting- if a bit far-fetched.
The modern reader would probably pan this book today. Some un-PC threads, (a kidnapping by a band of ‘Gypsies’), and implausible plot devices, although popular at the time the book was written, might turn some readers off today.
Other than that, what makes this book stand out, like the synopsis states, is that it is believed to be the first full length detective novel. The book could also technically pass as an inverted mystery, as it is clear right from the get-go who the murderer is. The reader remains interested because they want to see how the murderers were committed. I think this book does set a standard for the future of mystery novels and for that reason, I think mystery lovers might find this book of interest.
It is also Henderson’s presentation of the facts that kept me invested in the story. It would have been nice to see him return in subsequent installments, to see his character fleshed out a bit, because he is quite good at his job. I found myself wondering about his looks, his private life, etc.
This one is worth checking out for its historical value and contribution to crime fiction. The British Crime Library has a nice selection of these classic mysteries available in digital format. I’m looking forward to exploring more of them this year! 3.5 stars
*Just to be clear, the publishing date is for the release in digital format. The book was not written in present day, but set in the 1800s. This is NOT historical fiction as I have seen some categorize it as such....more
The Sussex Downs Murder by John Bude is a 2015 Poison Pen publication. (Originally published in 1936)
This Golden Age mystery was saved from obscurity The Sussex Downs Murder by John Bude is a 2015 Poison Pen publication. (Originally published in 1936)
This Golden Age mystery was saved from obscurity with the help of the British Crime Library and is now available via Poisoned Pen Press in digital format.
Any avid, contemporary, mystery reader will have absolutely no trouble at all figuring out, well in advance, 'whodunit', and maybe a whole lot of the ‘how’ part too.
While that would ordinarily bug me to no end, it wouldn't be fair to judge this novel by our wizened and jaded modern day standards.
I think it is obvious the author put some serious thought into the plot, with some truly novel details, but, still, I’m not even sure the more innocent 1936 audiences would have been entirely baffled by this plot.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy seeing how Meredith pieced all the bits and pieces of the puzzle together to finally solve the crime he investigated for months.
This is my first ‘Meredith’ mystery, and while it certainly didn’t blow me away, I did enjoy reading an old Golden Age mystery by an author I was not familiar with.
Meredith has some nice dialogue and observations in the story- and takes a few jabs at the detectives featured in popular novels of the day-
“But when it comes to a proper detective yarn give me something that’s possible, plausible, and not crammed with a lot of nice little coincidences and ‘flashes of intuition’. Things don’t work that way in real life. We don’t work that way. At least, sir, that’s how it seems to me anyway.”
Oh snap! I do detect a bit of snark there!
Of course, this is a quick, gentle, clean mystery, I can’t think of anything I found offensive, though the story is very much a product of its time.
I found the book mildly entertaining, with most of the novelty coming from its rescue from obscurity. I’m so happy to see these older detective and mystery novels reaching new audiences, though, and even if some of the material isn’t nearly as challenging to readers as it was when first published, they are still fun to read!!
I will definitely look for more “Meredith” mysteries in the future!
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie is a 1938 publication.
A masterful Golden Age mystery!!
Simeon Lee, a difficult old man, blessed with weHercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie is a 1938 publication.
A masterful Golden Age mystery!!
Simeon Lee, a difficult old man, blessed with wealth, but cursed with bad health, has invited his adult children home for the holidays. One might believe the old man has become sentimental and is hoping for a reconciliation and perhaps forgiveness from his family before he passes on.
However, that doesn’t appear to be the case. It would seem that Lee, the host of this less than cheerful gathering, is playing some dastardly tricks on the people who hope to inherit his fortune.
Unfortunately, his game backfires horribly, leaving investigators with a house full of suspects and a puzzling locked room mystery on their hands. Thankfully, Hercule Poirot has kindly offered his assistance in solving the case.
"Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him?"
When I was younger, if I were to grab an Agatha Christie novel, for some reason, I always chose a Miss Marple mystery.
But, over the years Hercule Poirot became my favorite of Christie’s detectives. However, there are still many books in this series I have yet to read- and this was one of them.
While I understand that some aficionados have suggested it might be wise to read ‘Three Act Tragedy’ or ('Murder in Three Acts"), before reading this one, but I wanted to read a holiday themed mystery so I skipped way ahead. ( I honestly don’t think it really matters what order you read them in- but purists will be purists-...more
Grey Mask by Patricia Wentworth is a 1928 publication.
Charles Moray hired Miss Silver after he overhears a dastardly plot to ‘remove’ a young woman wGrey Mask by Patricia Wentworth is a 1928 publication.
Charles Moray hired Miss Silver after he overhears a dastardly plot to ‘remove’ a young woman who might be the recipient of a vast fortune. The young lady in question is eighteen-year-old Margot, an extremely immature young lady who finds herself all alone in the world after her father’s untimely passing.
Charles did not report the crime to the police because, to his shock and horror, he discovered his former fiancé, Margaret, was in on the plot. How deeply she was involved he didn’t know… but he and Miss Silver are determined to protect Margot from the diabolical man in the grey mask…
As much as I love old mysteries, I have not- that I recall, anyway- ever read a single Miss Silver mystery. I’ve wanted to fit one in for ages and finally managed to get this first one under my belt.
I was expecting a cozy mystery- but did not research the series, so I was surprised to find that Miss Silver is a legitimate detective- a bit forward thinking for 1928- but she’s also a spinster-like personality that likes to knit and is oft compared to Miss Marple.
This first installment was a little bit of a mixed bag. Miss Silver is one of those genius detectives, but we don’t see her doing any of the real leg work behind the scenes- and only physically gets involved at the very end of the book. She never calls her client to update him, and she only reveals what she knows or suspects when they contact her in a state of panic.
The plot is a bit overblown and highly improbable- but I could tell some thoughts went into it. I doubt we are to take it all that seriously and should view it for its entertainment value and not much else. The characterizations though, were nearly a deal breaker. Margot would try the patience of Job. She’s an eight-year-old in an eighteen-year-old body- which makes her flirtations with Charles and his friend Archie extremely cringeworthy.
Now all this sounds as though I did not enjoy the book, but it did have some merits, despite everything. The first book in a series can always be a little rough, and of course, one must consider the period in which the book was written- so I’ll give the next book a try and see how things stand after that.
Overall, this is an odd little mystery that tried my patience on occasion, but the curiousities of it were enough to hold my interest until the end.
The Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie is a 1923 publication.
Poirot has been frantically summoned to France by Monsieur Paul Renauld. Unfortunat The Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie is a 1923 publication.
Poirot has been frantically summoned to France by Monsieur Paul Renauld. Unfortunately, upon arrival, Hastings and Poirot are informed they have arrived too late and Renauld is dead… murdered as it so happens. Pitted against a younger and equally confident detective, Poirot is determined to meet his competition head on, utilizing his advantage of experience to solve the crime.
This is the second Poirot by Agatha Christie and is one I have not read. Christie obviously found inspiration with Holmes and Watson, and one can debate whether this is a homage or a parody, but either way, she did a masterful job with this twisty, complex whodunit.
I thoroughly enjoyed this classic mystery. I was never able to sit back, smugly confident that I had it all figured out. Christie was always at least two steps ahead of me. This is a stunning guessing game, narrated by Hastings, who provides his own unique observations along with his amusing commentary.
Despite its age, and our current desensitization and demand for more shock and awe, I think this story stands on its own merits quite well. (With the exception of a bit of cringe-worthy insta-love)
Christie is very clever, and it is obvious she put much thought into the plot, dotting the I’s and crossing the t’s. I was enthralled by her skill, and it is easy to see why she had such an enormous impact on the mystery genre.
As pure mysteries are few and far between right now, I’m looking to read more classics. Having read Poirot mysteries off and on over the years, I know this one might not rank up there with some of the later installments, but this a smart and impressive gem!!
Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan is a 2015 Vintage Digital publication. (Originally published in 1949)
A ‘Dickensian’ Christmas tradition gone hMurder for Christmas by Francis Duncan is a 2015 Vintage Digital publication. (Originally published in 1949)
A ‘Dickensian’ Christmas tradition gone horribly awry.
This story is billed as a classic Christmas mystery, but in all honesty, I’d never heard of Francis Duncan or this book until about a month ago. I was intrigued, especially since I have no problem finding holiday romances, but struggle to find a Christmas mystery that isn’t a part of a very long running series. As it turns out, this is an excellent holiday mystery and is exactly the type of book I'd been looking for!
Mordecai Tremaine has been invited to spend Christmas with at Benedict Grame’s country retreat. He accepts the invitation with no small amount of eagerness, due to an almost prophetic assurance within his own mind that he might get a chance to use his newly acquired and highly praised detecting skills.
Sure enough, by Christmas morning a murder has taken place and Tremaine is commissioned by local law enforcement to help them solve the crime.
With a house full of guests, all having exhibited odd behavior, or have clear and obvious motives, Tremaine has his work cut out for him.
It’s Christmas, and love is in the air, starting with Tremaine's honest admission that he enjoys romantic fiction. However, he gets more than his share of lover’s conflicts while staying at the country estate, including secret affairs, forbidden love and love triangles, all pointing to possible motives for murder.
This story is a classic representation of a proper British mystery. I’m glad I stumbled across this little gem and hope to find the other books in this series, as well.
Although the plot moves slowly at times, and the excitement level is rather low key, with the characterization taking center stage, I was always engaged in the story and found the all the characters and their pasts to be very interesting.
There were several possible motives, and hidden agendas among the gathered guests, which kept me in the dark until the last chapter. With many of these older mysteries, it is easier to spot the killer early on, but it is still fun to watch the way the author fits all the pieces together. But, this one was very clever and sly, and I honestly couldn't be sure who the murderer was.
I ended up enjoying this novel more than I would have imagined. This is a perfect mystery to curl up with on a cold winter night!!
Although this is a classic novel, you won’t have any trouble finding it, since it is now available in digital format. (If your library offers ‘Hoopla’ you can check it out now, with no hold time!)
My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier is a 1952 publication. This version is the 2013 Little, Brown and Company publication.
A scathingly wicked masteMy Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier is a 1952 publication. This version is the 2013 Little, Brown and Company publication.
A scathingly wicked masterpiece-
This book has a very heavy atmospheric quality that drew me in right from the start. In fact, I was so transfixed, I put aside everything else and gave myself over to its allure.
Phillip Ashley was raised by his cousin, Ambrose, a confirmed bachelor. They are content with their arrangement, and with Phillip’s role as heir to Ambrose’s legacy.
However, Phillip’s complacency is upended quite unexpectedly when Ambrose travels to Florence, meets ‘our cousin, Rachel’, a woman with a connection to their family, and immediately falls under her spell.
In a shockingly brief period of time, Ambrose goes from wedded bliss to death, leaving Phillip furious with Rachel, suspecting her of contributing to his cousin’s demise in some way, shape, or form.
But, when Rachel shows up at his doorstep with Ambrose’s belongings, Phillip too finds himself enchanted by Rachel and soon forgets all about his earlier jealousies and suspicions. Until…
I have several books in my collection written by this author, but the only one I’ve read is, ‘Rebecca’,
When this book began to recirculate due to a motion picture and a ‘great library reads’ promo, my interest was highly piqued.
Finally, I managed to work it into my schedule, but I wish I had discovered this gem sooner!
This book has so many layers, yet it progresses slowly, adding sinister nuances, bit by bit, until I found myself helplessly trapped in the author’s, oh so clever web before I knew what had happened, maybe a bit like Phillip, eh?
This book combines Gothic mystery, strong feminist undertones, psychological mind games, vanity, guilt, and suspicion, which nearly made me delirious with delight. But, it also left me with a plethora of theories and speculations.
Is Rachel guilty… or was it really Phillip? Or was she Innocent? Both? Was Phillip just a pawn in Rachel’s master plan? Did Phillip needlessly destroy his life?
While I would ordinarily feel extreme frustration with an author for this open- ended conclusion, in this case, it’s exactly what makes this book a classic. Written back in 1952, the book was a little ahead of its time, although some may have only taken it at face value. Nevertheless, here we are in 2017, still talking about it, still pondering on its mysteries, analyzing, and theorizing about it, which is a testament to the author’s talent and genius.
This book was practically tailor made for my reading tastes, so naturally, it gets five big stars!! ...more
Cop Hater by Ed McBain is a 2012 Thomas & Mercer publication.
This book was originally published way back in 1956 and is the first in the 87th precincCop Hater by Ed McBain is a 2012 Thomas & Mercer publication.
This book was originally published way back in 1956 and is the first in the 87th precinct series, one of the longest running crime series in history, with a whopping fifty-five installments.
I’m not one hundred percent positive, but as far as I can tell, the entire series of books is available in the Amazon Kindle store, the digital format published by Thomas & Mercer, I believe. I also noticed that some of the books are part of the Kindle Unlimited program, (though, not all), which is nice if you are a subscriber.
As a vintage paperback collector, I have a healthy collection of Ed McBain novels, but not all of them are from this series. I keep my eyes peeled for them here and there and hope to someday own the entire collection, without breaking the bank.
But now that the books have been reissued in digital format, I am entertaining the idea of reading through the entire series, in order, if possible.
This first installment introduces us to the 87th precinct, set in the fictional location of Isola, which is obviously based on the city of Manhattan.
The series is a straightforward police procedural, which no doubt, was a real trailblazing novel back in 1956. The plot and dialogue would have been cutting edge, filled with ‘street’ vernacular that the ordinary person might not have been familiar with.
Now, however, the story is a little dry, and may even put you in mind of the old “Dragnet” series. The dialogue is hilariously outdated, at times, and the plot was easy to figure out. But, it’s an easy read, with a scant 224 pages, and despite being outdated, there is a Noir feel to the story, though that is rarely mentioned, which gave it a touch of style. The series is dark, gritty, and its realism paved the way for many influential novelists, books, television shows, and movies.
If you haven’t read any of the books in this series, try thinking of ‘Hill Street Blues’ as an example of how the series is constructed. There is an ensemble cast, with recurring characters, which I think is a very good idea.
Although the novel is a bit past its prime, I still enjoyed reading it, and appreciated the author’s approach. I can see why the series was so popular and why it continued for as long as it did.
I think it’s going to be fun and entertaining to work my way through these classic crime novels!!
Black Wings has my Angel by Elliot Chaze is a NYRB Classics publication.
I ran across a post on PEN America about this book a few weeks back. It was oBlack Wings has my Angel by Elliot Chaze is a NYRB Classics publication.
I ran across a post on PEN America about this book a few weeks back. It was originally published back in 1953 and is considered to be a ‘lost classic’, a book that is not necessarily well known to mainstream noir audiences, but is now considered to be one of the best crime novels written in the prime of pulp fiction. Its reputation has become almost mythic, apparently, but I had never heard of it, so as a collector and lover of noir crime novels I began to search for a copy.
So, did the book live up to its reputation?
I have to say the book is definitely a winner, even though there are some problems with the plot.
‘Tim’, after his stint in prison, plans to pull off a caper that will leave him set for life financially. But, of course, things do not exactly work out quite the way he planned, due in part, to his having made the acquaintance of Virginia, a woman with a troubled past, who gets under his skin and quickly turns into an obsession.
After a bumpy start to their relationship, the two end up as partners in crime. The couple’s relationship is volatile, but the two flawed characters play well against each other in class noir fashion.
For fans of pulp fiction or noir this book is almost a textbook example of those genres, and may put you in mind of Jim Thompson, in some ways. It's gritty and dark, juxtaposed against a vivid scenic backdrop and occasional sprinkles of humor. It’s harsh, but has style, and despite its brevity, really packs a punch.
I was amazed by the storytelling and am so glad I stumbled across it!
Portrait of a Witch by Dorothy Daniels is a 1976 Pocket Books publication.
As I’ve stated on numerous occasions, I collect vintage paperbacks, my favoPortrait of a Witch by Dorothy Daniels is a 1976 Pocket Books publication.
As I’ve stated on numerous occasions, I collect vintage paperbacks, my favorite being old detective novels and the ‘Gothic’ mystery/romance novels which were so popular in the 60’s and 70’s. I don’t just collect them, I like to read them, too.
I placed this book at the top of my TBR pile in October thinking it might be a good book to read for Halloween. I never got around to it in October, but it’s been screaming at me to read it, so I finally relented.
Dorothy Daniels was one the queens of Gothic romance its heyday. She could weave a tale of suspense with the best of them, while adding in a little paranormal element from time to time and of course the very squeaky clean romance.
In this novel, Felica’s aunt dies in a bizarre accident, leaving her the sole heir and with a ton of questions about her heritage, especially once she receives an anonymous note asking her to visit a museum and check out the paintings of a specific artist. When she follows through on that invitation, she is shocked to discover a painting that bears an uncanny resemblance to her own likeness. In fact, she and the woman in the painting could be twins. If that weren’t unsettling enough, the artist named the painting: “The Witch".
In need of answers, Felicia goes in search of the artist who painted the portrait, which lands her in a hostile environment where the residents of the small village accuse her of witchcraft.
Despite the danger, she could be in, Felicia is determined to discover what happened to the woman in the painting and if she is related to her in some way.
This is not the best representation of Dorothy Daniel’s work. It is enjoyable enough, and due to the historical time period, the book is not overly dated. But, the suspense is flat, and the characters and dialogue is pretty bland.
However, it was still fun to read one of these older titles and enjoy my book collection to its fullest. This book is not available in digital format, that I know of, but can be found on Amazon, sold by third party marketplace sellers, or perhaps on eBay.
Overall, this set is fair representation of the authors work through the decade of the eighties, a time when the author really started to perfect his Overall, this set is fair representation of the authors work through the decade of the eighties, a time when the author really started to perfect his style and began receiving some critical acclaim, although to this day he is still underestimated.
This book has extensive notes by Greg Sutter, the author's researcher, which gives us even more insight into how serious the author took his job and how hard he worked at making his stories authentic.
There is also chronology in the back with a brief synopsis of each book. . This is a very nice compact hardcover book and would make an excellent addition for your collection or a gift for the diehard fan. 4.5 stars overall This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the full review go to: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re......more
James M. Cain - The Complete Crime Stories is a 2015 Mysterious Press/ Open Road Integrated Media publication. I was provided a copy of this book my tJames M. Cain - The Complete Crime Stories is a 2015 Mysterious Press/ Open Road Integrated Media publication. I was provided a copy of this book my the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Most people equate the name James M. Cain with his famous hardboiled crime novels such as “The Postman Always Rings Twice”. But, Cain also wrote wrote short stories for magazines, as well as screenplays.
This is a collection of seventeen short stories by Cain, none of which I had ever read or even heard of, and I actually considered myself a fan. So, hats off to the publisher for collecting this outstanding group of stories and putting in them into one volume and in digital format.
Now, a brief word about the these stories:
The stories are all pretty short, some longer than others. While labeled as crime stories they have a kind of pulp quality to them and many are just dark essays on the underbelly of human nature. While many years have passed since these stories were written, they still pack a punch, and could be shocking to even the most jaded modern reader. No holds barred, no politically correct watered down dialogue or actions and some may even be offended, especially when it comes to the treatment of women in some cases.
However, I did enjoy reading some more obscure works by this author. I couldn't pinpoint a story I would call my favorite in the collection, but the first story - “The Baby in the Icebox” was the perfect lead in and stuck with me. Not all stories were to my liking, but for the most part the stories are quintessential Cain and one can't help but caught up in his signature prose.
If you are a fan of this author, or of the hard boiled style of writing, you really do want to pick this one up. Cain's unapologetic style of writing and his insight into humanity's dark side is absolutely riveting even in small, contained stories like these. So, even if you aren't all that familiar with the author, this is a nice way to familiarize yourself with a true legend in this genre.
Somewhere in the House by Elizabeth Daly is a 1984 Bantam Books publication. (Originally published in 1946)
Henry Gammadge has been commissioned to attSomewhere in the House by Elizabeth Daly is a 1984 Bantam Books publication. (Originally published in 1946)
Henry Gammadge has been commissioned to attend a most unusual event. The Clayborn family has been awaiting the moment when they can finally open a sealed room in their mansion, which will free them up to receive their inheritances, at long last. Henry's role is to see that there's no sleight of hand amongst the gathered relatives.
Although this is highly irregular, Henry is accepted by the family, and their attorney, who will oversee the unveiling, if you will.
Henry’s client is mainly concerned about a button collection she feels could be in the room and might be of some value. What they discover instead is not only the macabre wax figure of a long-dead relative, but a murder victim. The question is… how was she murdered when the room has been sealed for twenty-five years?
As legend would have it, Elizabeth Daly was supposedly Agatha Christie’s favorite mystery writer. Daly was once dubbed ‘The grand dame of women mystery writer’s’.
Today, Daly has faded into relative obscurity, which is a real shame. So, for the record, Hoopla has most of her Henry Gammagde collection in digital format, so if you enjoy Golden Age mysteries, you should check them out.
As for this book-
Locked room mysteries are very common, of course, but this one is especially unique. I can’t say I’ve encountered a mystery plot quite like it.
A shrine to a lost loved one, in the form of a wax figure, an unusual codicil to a will, a sealed-up room, and twenty-five years of too much togetherness for a family loaded with secrets and in dire need of their inheritance is a strange premise, but it certainly kept me turning pages.
Gammadge is an understated sort of amateur sleuth, and of course his book knowledge makes him very interesting.
The cast of characters are not likeable- with one or two exceptions- but, the mystery was certainly a head scratcher and I can’t say that I ever fully suspected any one person for very long.
The story is rather brief- barely over two hundred pages, so it didn't take me long to read it- but it did require my undivided attention.
This was my only physical copy of Daly’s work- which is why I started with book ten. I didn’t know Hoopla had the collection before I started reading this one or I might have tried to read them in order.
I’m not sure if this installment is the best representation of Daly’s work, but this plot was original enough, I am anxious to read through her entire library.
The Mugger by Ed McBain is a 1956 publication. The version I read is a 1996 release. I also added audio which is part of my KU subscription.
This is tThe Mugger by Ed McBain is a 1956 publication. The version I read is a 1996 release. I also added audio which is part of my KU subscription.
This is the second installment in the 87th Street Precinct series.
There is a violent mugger on the loose, whose main targets are women. After hitting them, taking their valuables, he bows, and introduces himself as ‘Clifford”. But, when one of the victims dies, the case takes on a new urgency.
For those unfamiliar with the format, McBain uses a rotating cast of characters in this long running series. In this chapter, a rookie patrolman, Bert Kling, is recovering from a minor injury when an old acquaintance asks him to speak with his teenage sister-in-law, an attractive young lady he and his wife fear has gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd, which is how he finds himself involved in a homicide investigation.
As I explained in my review of the first book in this series, it is of utmost importance, if you have never read these novels, to keep in mind the era of time in which they were written.
This story was inundated with sexism, and had one or two rough spots where offensive racial slurs were batted around. Even though I expected this to some extent, it was very uncomfortable, and I must confess it did stymie my enjoyment of the story.
These older installments are also dated in terms of police procedure, but that didn’t turn me off. I think that is part of what makes these older books interesting. It just goes to show how far we have come and the amazing strides we have taken since these books were written. Sadly, in other areas, nothing at all has changed.
Other than that, the plot, once again, is very thin and compared to the type of complexity we are accustomed to now. I knew early on what was going on, but I was still interested in seeing how the cops would finally nail the murderer.
Although, the story has some problems, I still think these books are worth reading. These early procedurals were influential to other writers and it serves as a reminder of times past, for better or worse.
Not great, not terrible-
3 stars
Note: For those who are enrolled in the Kindle Unlimited program many of the 87th Precinct books are available along with the audio. The audio narration was quite good ...more
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