Good morning, and Happy Thanksgiving! Today I’m grateful for my family, for the possibility that my mashed potatoes will turn out even fluffier than last year’s (first, you need to dry them out on a warm burner after they’re boiled, and then you mustn’t over-mash them or they get too starchy), and I’m grateful to everyone and … Continue reading NOIRVEMBER MADNESS: THE HITCHCOCK TOP THIRTY (Brad vs. Screen Drafts)
The Golden Age of Detection
“I’ve got a little list . . . ” Part II: Ten Favorite Mysteries of the 1930’s
Back in May, my buddies Sergio and Nick and I pooled our heads together and came up with our own three lists of the best mysteries from the Golden Age of Detection. Our method of selection was very structured: we came up with thirteen general categories (i.e., “Best wartime” “best locked room” and “best twist ending”) and … Continue reading “I’ve got a little list . . . ” Part II: Ten Favorite Mysteries of the 1930’s
EXTRA-CURRICULAR WTF: Janice Hallett’s The Examiner
“Attached is an application form for the new MA course I’m running from this September to May next year. It’s designed to bridge the gap between creative work and the commercial world. I aim to create a safe space for students to develop unfamiliar skills and practice those they already possess. As you said, artists … Continue reading EXTRA-CURRICULAR WTF: Janice Hallett’s The Examiner
FAIT ACCOMPLI: Two More Columbo Adventures
In all fairness, “Columbo and the Murder of a Rock Star” probably had no chance with me from the start. This 1991 episode pits the Lieutenant against Hugh Creighton, “the world’s best defense attorney” (Dabney Coleman). Now, I happen to be intimately acquainted with the world’s best defense attorney: his name is Perry Mason, and, … Continue reading FAIT ACCOMPLI: Two More Columbo Adventures
RATTLING THE LIEUTENANT: Two More Columbo Adventures
Like many popular crime TV series, Columbo succeeded because of, rather than despite, its formulaic structure. Fans endured waits lasting anywhere from weeks to years between episodes for the chance to see Peter Falk wield his fake humility against the overweening ego of a colorful guest star, pop up at awkward and arguably humorous moments to rattle … Continue reading RATTLING THE LIEUTENANT: Two More Columbo Adventures
DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES: Two More Columbo Adventures
I don’t know the reasoning behind why some Columbo episodes were 75 minutes long and others ran to 95 minutes. “Any Old Port in the Storm,” the 2nd episode of the 3rd season, is a brilliant 75-minute-long case weighed down by twenty extra minutes. The fabled Carsini Winery is run by elder son Adrian Carsini (Donald Pleasance), whose ability … Continue reading DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES: Two More Columbo Adventures
FOUL PLAY, THE FAIR PLAY WAY: My Book Club Reads The Maze
“In a ‘fair play’ puzzle plot mystery, the author provides the reader with all the clues, allowing the reader to match wits with the detective. All the pieces of the puzzle are hidden in plain sight.” (Gigi Pandian, for Crimereads) “This is a fair story. If you get the right answer – not merely a guessed answer, … Continue reading FOUL PLAY, THE FAIR PLAY WAY: My Book Club Reads The Maze
“I’ve Got a Little List . . . “: THIRTY-NINE CLASSIC MYSTERIES
After months of preparation, it was on a rainy morning on May 4 (and we’re talking rain from California to London, folks, with a soggy Pennsylvania in-between!) that three mystery nerds scholars gathered together, albeit virtually, to play a game that would determine which titles from the Golden Age of Detection were, according to Sergio, … Continue reading “I’ve Got a Little List . . . “: THIRTY-NINE CLASSIC MYSTERIES
WHERE’S THE BEEF? Book Club Tackles Leo Bruce
“Crime? Can’t we talk about anything else? Don’t we get enough of it in books and films? I’m sick to death of this crime, crime, crime, wherever you turn.” If this sounds like an odd complaint coming from a member of a Classic Crime Book Club– well, you’re right. While we have tended to have … Continue reading WHERE’S THE BEEF? Book Club Tackles Leo Bruce
WHO’S AFRAID OF THE BIG GAD LIST? Announcing Our Next Draft
Sergio . . . . . Nick . . . . . . . . . . . and Bradley Oh, the chutzpah of these guys! Attempting to conceive a list of the thirty-nine best Golden Age Mysteries of all time!! That may explain why we want to enlist all of you as accomplices!! Curious? … Continue reading WHO’S AFRAID OF THE BIG GAD LIST? Announcing Our Next Draft
Ah Sweet Mystery! 