Della to Perry: “Well, you certainly took a button and sewed a vest on it!” On my journey through the Perry Mason Menagerie, I approached the Hall of Monkeys with some trepidation. Part of this had to do with a personal experience that I’ll share with you next month, but mostly it was all about timing. … Continue reading MASON MONKEY BUSINESS, PT. 1: The Case of the Grinning Gorilla
BOOK CLUB IS FRENCH-IFIED: The Affair at Little Wokeham
The spirits of R. Austin Freeman and Baroness Orczy and E. C. Bentley may eternally wonder why the year 1920 is used to mark the start of the Golden Age of Detection, since they had been publishing detective stories since 1907, 1908, and 1913, respectively. But these writers have faded into obscurity, while 1920 marked … Continue reading BOOK CLUB IS FRENCH-IFIED: The Affair at Little Wokeham
NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART TEN
We’re only a month away from our draft of the Top 13 Films Noirs of 1955. I’m busy compiling my list, and I’m sure my co-drafters Sergio Angelini and Nick Cardillo are doing the same. I’ve seen a few masterpieces, a lot of solid noir, and some real, er, dreck. The question is: what’s ahead for me in the final … Continue reading NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART TEN
PLAYING THE GAME, PART TWO: The Killer Question (Plus, Ah Sweet Mystery’s Monday Pub Quiz!!!)
And now to open the second box . . . “I’m flattered our quiz means so much to you - it means a lot to me, as you know - but perhaps enjoy it for what it is, an entertaining evening out with friends, rather than focus on winning?” “Winning is everything, Mal. Why take part … Continue reading PLAYING THE GAME, PART TWO: The Killer Question (Plus, Ah Sweet Mystery’s Monday Pub Quiz!!!)
PLAYING THE GAME, PART I: You’re the Detective: The Creeping Hand Murder, a Solve-It-Yourself Mystery
Having just read about The Murder Game, I was eager to play it. Nowadays, I’ll admit that I tend to read mysteries more passively, allowing the twists and turns of a puzzle to wash over me and hoping against hope that, come the denouement, I will be surprised. But John Curran’s new book reawakened the eleven-year-old armchair … Continue reading PLAYING THE GAME, PART I: You’re the Detective: The Creeping Hand Murder, a Solve-It-Yourself Mystery
LUCID, LUDIC AND WELL-CLUED: The Murder Game, by John Curran
Recently, I shared photos with you as evidence of my wall to wall to wall to wall assortment of mystery books. Interspersed amongst the novels and plays and story collections are books about mystery fiction. There are the historical, like Martin Edwards’ The Golden Age of Murder i(2015), the critical, like Julian Symons’ Mortal Consequences (in Britain Bloody Murder, 1973) and the playful, like Dilys … Continue reading LUCID, LUDIC AND WELL-CLUED: The Murder Game, by John Curran
NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 9
As we turn to nine more films this month on our 36-film-list that will form the basis of my Noirvember ’55 Top 13 Films Noirs Draft, my own personal list of favorites is starting to take shape. I only get to select four or five titles on the final draft, but if Sergio or Nick play one … Continue reading NOIRVEMBER ’55, PART 9
THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY GREAT BIG GIGANTIC AGATHA CHRISTIE QUIZ ANSWERS
Ten years ago on this very day, I posted for the first time. I promised you I would cover classic mysteries in every format – page, stage, and screen - and I made no bones about my adoration for Agatha Christie. No wonder I decided to celebrate my first decade with a quiz for all … Continue reading THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY GREAT BIG GIGANTIC AGATHA CHRISTIE QUIZ ANSWERS
THE POIROT PROJECT #12: Elephants Can Remember
“’Elephants don’t forget,’ said Mrs. Oliver. ‘You know, a story children get brought up on? How someone, an Indian tailor, stuck a needle or something in an elephant’s tusk. No, Not a tusk, his trunk, of course, an elephant’s trunk. And the next time the elephant came past he had a great mouthful of water … Continue reading THE POIROT PROJECT #12: Elephants Can Remember
THE NIGHT THEY DROVE OLD DIXIE DOWN: The Case of the Moth-Eaten Mink
Over the past eight months, I’ve led you by the snout through the Perry Mason Menagerie to witness the hijinks of assorted household pets and various fowl (plus one foul but sleepy mosquito.) This time, we’re changing up the sub-genus - and this time it’s personal. I know you may scoff at first because The Case … Continue reading THE NIGHT THEY DROVE OLD DIXIE DOWN: The Case of the Moth-Eaten Mink
Ah Sweet Mystery! 