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Reviews April 22, 2018

William Brittain’s The Man Who Read EQ

From the Potpourri section of The Misadventures of Ellery Queen anthology edited by Josh Pachter and Dale C. Andrews.

Ancient Arthur Mindy is “The Man Who Read Ellery Queen” in William Brittain’s fictional world of the Goodwell Senior Citizen Home, first printed in EQMM in Dec. 1965. Mindy’s prize possession is a complete set of books by Queen, and at the top of his bucket list is the chance to solve a mystery in the manner of the great detective. He sees his opportunity when the prize possession of another senior suddenly goes missing. It’s schmaltzy, but somehow Brittain keeps a low-key mystery vibrant and a feel-good ending, feeling good.

EQMM base image from Galactic Central.

This review continues on April 26 . . .

Reviews April 18, 2018

James Holding’s Norwegian Apple Mystery

The third section of Josh Pachter and Dale C. Andrews’ anthology, The Misadventures of Ellery Queen, is Potpourri—stories inspired by Queen. First up is “The Norwegian Apple Mystery” by James Holding, originally from EQMM Nov. 1960.

Two mystery-writer partners, vacationing on a cruise ship, are intrigued by the death of one of their fellow passengers, who choked to death on an apple while reading in bed, alone. The event sparks their collective curiosity, and once they begin speculating that it was not an accident, they soon find themselves creating a plausible plot for murder. A highly entertaining lesson in how to create a murder mystery.

EQMM base image from Galactic Central.

This review continues on April 22nd . . .

Reviews April 14, 2018

Dennis M. Dubin’s Elroy Quinn’s Last Case

The final entry in the parody section of The Misadventures of Ellery Queen, edited by Josh Pachter and Dale C. Andrews:

Like co-editor Pachter, Dennis M. Dubin placed his first published story while still in high school—in EQMM (July 1967). However, unlike the former, Dubin’s story, “Elroy Quinn’s Last Case” was prophetic, as it seems to be the author’s last mystery as well. I can see why it concludes the parody section, yet its madcap elements balance nicely with its drama and provide a smooth transition to the collection’s final, more serious Potpourri section.

As the story opens, Elroy Quinn already long retired, is coaxed into action by Inspector Thomas Velie, who explains, “the king of Ubinorabia arrived here two days ago to begin talks on the huge oil deposit recently discovered in his country.” It’s large enough to incent dialog between East and West, but only the king supports it. His heir does not. One of the king’s bodyguards is dead, a victim of mistaken identity—meaning the monarch himself is marked for murder. Who wants him dead? The clues only deepen the mystery: “…a gladiator’s helmet and pair of cats, one with a plethora of tails.” Baffling to Velie and most mortals, but Quinn’s cogitations overcome all obstacles and justice, is at last, laid to rest.

EQMM base image from Galactic Central.

This review continues on April 18th . . .

Reviews April 10, 2018

Arthur Porges’ English Village Mystery

The second of three entries in the parody section of The Misadventures of Ellery Queen, edited by Josh Pachter and Dale C. Andrews:

Arthur Porges wrote two Queen parodies. His first, “The English Village Mystery” from EQMM (Dec. 1964), is reprinted here. Celery Green is called into a case too baffling for authorities East, North, and South. A dozen residents of tiny Tottering-on-the-Brink are dead; which leaves only three remaining citizens. Can Celery thicken the plot before “on” becomes “over” the brink?

EQMM cover image from Galactic Central.

This review continues on April 14th . . .

Reviews April 6, 2018

J.N. Williamson’s Ten Months’ Blunder

Josh Pachter and Dale C. Andrews wisely keep the parody section of their anthology, The Misadventures of Ellery Queen, to three stories. They’re short, fun, and funny; but a little goes a long way, so three is just right.

Originally presented in EQMM (May 1961) J.N. Williamson’s “Ten Months’ Blunder” features Celery Keen, who solves the murder of a pawnshop owner swiftly, smugly, and questionably in four pages. But is the pompous Celery really as keen as his namesake?

EQMM cover image from Galactic Central.

This review continues on April 10th . . .

Reviews April 2, 2018

Dale C. Andrews & Kurt Sercu’s Book Case

The sixth (and final) pastiche in The Misadventures of Ellery Queen, edited by Josh Pachter and Dale C. Andrews, “The Book Case” by Dale C. Andrews and Kurt Sercu, is a highlight of the anthology. It’s long enough to unfold in three parts, but so well constructed and delivered I couldn’t help wishing there were more. The story first appeared in EQMM’s Department of First Stories in May 2007 and garnered second place in that year’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

An older Ellery Queen is drawn out of retirement by Detective Harry Burke, whom he met in the novel Face to Face in 1967. Dr. Jason Tenumbra and his partner Dr. Quinn Djuna are both found dead within a few miles and hours of each other. Burke’s partner quickly assesses the evidence and concludes Djuna murdered Tenumbra and then took his own life. Burke isn’t as certain. Tenumbra’s collection of first editions line the bookcase behind his desk. Why were all the books written by Ellery Queen pulled from the self and dumped on the floor of the murder scene? Thankfully, when Ellery Queen arrives and allows all of the clues to steep, his conclusion unerringly points to one of three women, each with a powerful motive to wish the lecherous Tenumbra was dead.

EQMM cover image from Galactic Central.

More to come on April 6th . . .

Reviews March 31, 2018

The Test Tube: Renascence

A final word on Marvel Science Stories, May 1951:

“The Test Tube: Renascence” is a one-page summary of the magazine’s editorial goals and guidance. “Here is our answer—in action—to the hundreds of requests we have received from our readers, to go small size, to get the best authors in the field, to get higher quality illustrations and covers, to become, in fact, the leading science-fiction magazine.”

Their story criteria: mature, lively, and above all, a good story.

Although Marvel Science Stories never achieved its lofty goal to become the leader in its field; if this issue is indicative of its third volume series, it is a title worth seeking out.

Reviews March 29, 2018

Edward D. Hoch’s Reindeer Clue

The original appearance of “The Reindeer Clue,” (the fifth story in The Misadventures of Ellery Queen, edited by Josh Pachter and Dale C. Andrews, pastiche section) was in 1975, in The National Enquirer. Who knew they ran fiction? The story, attributed to Ellery Queen, could not be a pastiche—unless it was actually written by someone else—and it was: Edward D. Hoch, an EQ pseudonym surrogate.

Casey Sturgess, ex-journalist suspected of using his investigatory skills to dig up dirt for blackmail is found dead in the reindeer pen of a children’s zoo. No pressure, but the holidays are here, and a herd of children are due for a visit with Rudolph any minute. Fortunately, Ellery Queen, who arrived earlier, quickly identifies three prime suspects. Readers receive their challenge, their reindeer clue, and their chance to best the legendary detective. Good luck! “The Reindeer Clue” is a light-hearted holiday-themed treat.

More to come . . .

Reviews March 25, 2018

Francis M. Nevins’ Open Letter to Survivors

The fourth story in The Misadventures of Ellery Queen, edited by Josh Pachter and Dale C. Andrews, pastiche section:

The background notes by Francis M. Nevins that bookend his “Open Letter to Survivors,” first presented in EQMM May, 1972, only embellish an already excellent pastiche. Formidable and wealthy, Adelina Monquieux (pronounced Mon-Q) is mother to adopted sons Xavier, Yves, and Zachary—identical triplets. That is, until she’s found murdered shortly after her introduction to an unnamed eloquent, quick-witted sleuth. Her will stipulates her secret memoir must remain unread, locked in her safe for 24 years after her demise, lest her fortune go south rather than Far East, for the children of war-torn Japan. Needless to say, the murderous perp is thrice clever and only the extraordinarily quick mind of the detective is able to follow the letter of the lawless.

EQMM base image from Galactic Central.

More to come . . .

Reviews March 21, 2018

Jon L. Breen’s Gilbert and Sullivan Clue

The third story in The Misadventures of Ellery Queen, edited by Josh Pachter and Dale C. Andrews, pastiche section:

Jon L. Breen’s “The Gilbert and Sullivan Clue” first appeared in a double-issue of EQMM (Sep/Oct) in 1999. After a wildly successful comedy duo splits, Ozzie Foyle’s career as a solo takes off, while his old partner Joey Dugan’s tanks. A murder takes place on the cruise ship where Foyle is headlining and Ellery Queen is onboard courtesy of Foyle’s agent. The mystery requires nearly a dozen characters, which in turn requires four pages to introduce and clarify their relationships. Even with Breen’s efficient prose, the story ramps slowly. Fortunately, once the setup’s complete, the pace quickens and the plot thickens quite nicely.

EQMM base image from Galactic Central.

More to come . . .