Ron K. (WhidbeyIslander) - , reviewed on 6/9/2020 + 732 more book reviews

I have respect for this author and enjoyed some of his golden age mysteries (The Case of the Baker Street Irregulars, for one.) And his reviews of other 1940's mysteries, compiled in The Anthony Boucher Chronicles: Reviews and Commentary is invaluable for someone looking for other mysteries of the period.

This book is probably more enjoyable if you are a Sci-Fi fan, as he populates it with thinly disguised characters representing some of the writers in that field (and includes himself in a minor role.) He includes a few pages of stories by these authors which I skipped over.

As a locked room mystery it is OK, although he gives away the trick part way through and the followup at the end contains a fantastic coincidence that makes the whole plot a bit contrived.

Not a total failure, but he's done better.

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