Anthony Berkeley's The Poisoned Chocolates Case is an absolute delight. It focuses almost entirely on summation, but manages within its artificial boundaries to accomplish everything we want in detective fiction. I'll try and explain. The Problem: Sir Eustace receives a sample box of Masons chocolate liquors in the mail. Uninterested in acting as a Masons… Continue reading The Poisoned Chocolates Case
The structure of Joel Townsley Rogers's superb The Red Right Hand is the star of the show. Sure, there are numerous baffling murders (the most murderous book I've read since Death's Old Sweet Song), loads of well-hidden clues, and enough dread to kill several nerves; however, it is the hypnotic overlap of past and present… Continue reading The Red Right Hand
The Fourth Door was Halter's first published novel, yet many of its themes and obsession can be found within the other nine I have read, including his latest, The Gold Watch. Bless him, he's still doing the same thing. It's the promise of narrative trickery and (of course) impossible crime which makes me so happy… Continue reading The Fourth Door — Paul Halter
When you've read enough mysteries, the possible patterns of deception become increasingly obvious with each new novel. A good plotter will keep this under consideration. Sure, there will be readers who are venturing into the unknown for the first time. (the sort of newbie for whom a twin sister with a voice box, contact lenses,… Continue reading Heading the Reader off at the Pass: The Nine Wrong Answers
Let's get a few things out of the way. From what I know about my readership, none of you would like this book. It contains nothing in the way of detection (although surprise and suspense abound). The tone could best be described as luridly trashy, but even that wouldn't give you a sense of the… Continue reading Are Snakes Necessary by Brian DePalma and Susan Lehman
James Scott Byrnside 