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Perry Mason #41
The Case of the Hesitant Hostess
Perry Mason had no hesitation in defending Albert Brogan, a broke ex-salesman against a charge of robbery. He’s counting on the testimony of the nightclub hostess Martha Lavina to clear him. She had most of the requirements for a good professional hostess, and one was an innocent face. That, plus various other attractions, made her a formidable challenge as she faced Perry Mason on the witness stand. She was also deadly clever and she held the jury spellbound. When Mason sprang his bombshell they stayed that way, for the hoped-for explosion was a dudThat was just the beginning of a smashing, freewheeling attack with no holds barred on either side. Then another hostess, his key witness, fled. Failure to find the missing witness in forty-eight hours could cost an innocent man his liberty and his life, when the prosecution serves up a shocking new charge of murder. But the high-tailing hostess has a host of her own secrets, and a cast of shady characters-from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. She seems determined to keep them and herself hidden. It all leads Perry Mason down the trail of an amazing crime that might have gone undetected.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1953
43 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Erle Stanley Gardner
1,341 books813 followersErle Stanley Gardner was an American lawyer and author of detective stories who also published under the pseudonyms A.A. Fair, Kyle Corning, Charles M. Green, Carleton Kendrake, Charles J. Kenny, Les Tillray, and Robert Parr.
Innovative and restless in his nature, he was bored by the routine of legal practice, the only part of which he enjoyed was trial work and the development of trial strategy. In his spare time, he began to write for pulp magazines, which also fostered the early careers of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. He created many different series characters for the pulps, including the ingenious Lester Leith, a "gentleman thief" in the tradition of Raffles, and Ken Corning, a crusading lawyer who was the archetype of his most successful creation, the fictional lawyer and crime-solver Perry Mason, about whom he wrote more than eighty novels. With the success of Perry Mason, he gradually reduced his contributions to the pulp magazines, eventually withdrawing from the medium entirely, except for non-fiction articles on travel, Western history, and forensic science.
See more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erle_Sta...
Innovative and restless in his nature, he was bored by the routine of legal practice, the only part of which he enjoyed was trial work and the development of trial strategy. In his spare time, he began to write for pulp magazines, which also fostered the early careers of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. He created many different series characters for the pulps, including the ingenious Lester Leith, a "gentleman thief" in the tradition of Raffles, and Ken Corning, a crusading lawyer who was the archetype of his most successful creation, the fictional lawyer and crime-solver Perry Mason, about whom he wrote more than eighty novels. With the success of Perry Mason, he gradually reduced his contributions to the pulp magazines, eventually withdrawing from the medium entirely, except for non-fiction articles on travel, Western history, and forensic science.
See more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erle_Sta...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 4, 2023
Perry Mason has a client, Albert Brogan, who was forced upon him by a judge ...for free, no money paid to the famous lawyer and Mr. Mason will spend a small fortune trying to exonerate the penniless man, can't be helped, his nature won't permit nothing less......
than a full effort no matter what price, the wealthy attorney doesn't mind, he says ... A simple holdup case with witnesses, the two victims to identify the culprit in court, turns into a puzzling mystery of nightclub hostesses, heroin smuggling, kidnappings and murder. The dynamic trio of Perry Mason, Della Street his confidential secretary, and much more.. and the private investigator Paul Drake...a good friend, better yet, brilliant at his job.The sudden appearance of Mary Brogan from St.Louis, the fiercely loyal niece of Perry's client is an occurrence that changes the case and brings sunshine into what had been a dismal situation, Uncle Albert she vehemently insists, is innocent. Maybe Mason can actually win Mr. Brogan's freedom, he must be quick his confused, dejected defendant, shows signs of a possible nervous breakdown...Mr.Archer, a well respected businessman and Mrs. Lavina, owner of nightclubs, the supposed victims of the crime when they testified uncomfortably during cross- examinations, held in court by Mason, of Mr. Brogan sticking a gun in their faces, stealing money and valuable items. While the vehicle they were travelling in stopped at a red light, by an intersection on the streets of Los Angeles. Things begin to clear as Perry, Della, Paul and Mary , dig deep into the underbelly of the city, Mrs. Lavina the gorgeously attractive woman and she knows it, is using every trick in the book, for any advantage, protecting herself, the shady clubs and the hostesses who are more than that...Mr. Archer, no angel either, has secrets too he wants to hide, an important witness flees the scene..."The Hesitant Hostess"...why? Lastly the surprise visit of the blase policeman, Lt. Tragg... If you enjoy complicated mysteries this will satisfy your taste. There is only one PERRY MASON.
than a full effort no matter what price, the wealthy attorney doesn't mind, he says ... A simple holdup case with witnesses, the two victims to identify the culprit in court, turns into a puzzling mystery of nightclub hostesses, heroin smuggling, kidnappings and murder. The dynamic trio of Perry Mason, Della Street his confidential secretary, and much more.. and the private investigator Paul Drake...a good friend, better yet, brilliant at his job.The sudden appearance of Mary Brogan from St.Louis, the fiercely loyal niece of Perry's client is an occurrence that changes the case and brings sunshine into what had been a dismal situation, Uncle Albert she vehemently insists, is innocent. Maybe Mason can actually win Mr. Brogan's freedom, he must be quick his confused, dejected defendant, shows signs of a possible nervous breakdown...Mr.Archer, a well respected businessman and Mrs. Lavina, owner of nightclubs, the supposed victims of the crime when they testified uncomfortably during cross- examinations, held in court by Mason, of Mr. Brogan sticking a gun in their faces, stealing money and valuable items. While the vehicle they were travelling in stopped at a red light, by an intersection on the streets of Los Angeles. Things begin to clear as Perry, Della, Paul and Mary , dig deep into the underbelly of the city, Mrs. Lavina the gorgeously attractive woman and she knows it, is using every trick in the book, for any advantage, protecting herself, the shady clubs and the hostesses who are more than that...Mr. Archer, no angel either, has secrets too he wants to hide, an important witness flees the scene..."The Hesitant Hostess"...why? Lastly the surprise visit of the blase policeman, Lt. Tragg... If you enjoy complicated mysteries this will satisfy your taste. There is only one PERRY MASON.
November 18, 2023
The book opens with a courtroom scene. Perry Mason has been assigned a pro bono case by the Court. He is defending Albert Brogan, a poor ex-salesman who is being accused of armed robbery. The alleged victims of the crime include Martha Lavina, the owner of nightclubs, and wealthy real estate operator, Rodney Archer. They both provide evidence against the accused. The primary witness for the defense is a woman named Inez Kaylor who works as a hostess in Martha's Nightclubs. Her testimony which would have cleared Mason’s client of all the allegations disappears at a crucial juncture in the trial. Perry has just 48 hours to find Inez or the defendant will undoubtedly be declared guilty. Things take a turn for the worse when it is revealed that the suspect will also be charged with the murder of a young woman that happened the same night as the hold-up. THE CASE OF THE HESITANT HOSTESS is a fabulous, quickly paced, action-packed, and cleverly written novel. The courtroom sequences are quite amusing and incredibly entertaining. Mason's skilled cross-examination of the witnesses elevates this story to a whole new level. The hilarious exchange between Perry and Mary Brogan, niece of Perry's client in his office are simply awesome. SUPER-DUPER.
April 17, 2023
I found this amazing used book store in Cedar rapids, Shady Character books. They had a bunch of Perry Mason novels so I bought one. And then I wound up buying it as an e-book because I suck.
It was very cool. It started out feeling like I was watching a noir movie and then it felt a little bit like columbo. If they are always good I will be reading more for a while
It was very cool. It started out feeling like I was watching a noir movie and then it felt a little bit like columbo. If they are always good I will be reading more for a while
December 4, 2019
Enjoyable. Especially the courtroom scenes were masterful. It’s exactly what’s promised on the tin, so to say, so if you’re in the mood for a courtroom detective story with some action and sensation thrown in, you can do much worse.
May 14, 2022
Read a Perry Mason book after a long time, and the book delivered all the regular Mason promises. There were multiple courtroom scenes, with the book starting off in the middle of one such scene. The plot was quite thick and convoluted, with a lot of fast-flowing action. The key clue was made quite obvious a bit early in the story for my liking and from then on it was a straightforward mystery.
Perry Mason books are not just fast-paced thrillers but also provide a window into the kind of life LA and Las Vegas had starting in the 1930s up until 1970s. The lack of traffic, a completely different nightlife, and other such peculiarities are another dimension of the book that, more often than not, makes the read even more enjoyable and memorable.
Perry Mason books are not just fast-paced thrillers but also provide a window into the kind of life LA and Las Vegas had starting in the 1930s up until 1970s. The lack of traffic, a completely different nightlife, and other such peculiarities are another dimension of the book that, more often than not, makes the read even more enjoyable and memorable.
August 21, 2014
Most Perry Mason mysteries end in the courtroom. This is different in that it begins in court where Mason has landed a "Dock Brief" to defend a man accused of sticking up a car and robbing the passengers.
Unsurprisingly, Mason is convinced of the poor man's innocence and proceeds to unravel as complex and tangled a web of double dealing, impersonation and murder as any in his career to date.
One of Gardner's better efforts.
Unsurprisingly, Mason is convinced of the poor man's innocence and proceeds to unravel as complex and tangled a web of double dealing, impersonation and murder as any in his career to date.
One of Gardner's better efforts.
July 10, 2018
As always, there are a lot of twists and turns in the story. This one has to do with a "hostess" who is a witness in a murder case. The information about what a hostess is shows how the story is dated. In Perry Mason's world there are good girls and bad girls, though all of them are actually women. Perry mostly cares about the defense of his client and the thinking through of presentation of testimony to win the case or represent his client to the utmost. Points awarded for cleverness.
April 4, 2014
I've been reading Gardner's Perry Mason books off and on for many years. Many years ago, I was an intense fan of the series, and read them all, at least once. Now, after a lot of water over the dam, I'm looking at them again.
Those who are used to really fine mystery writers (with the emphasis on "writer"), such as Ross Macdonald, may find the writing style here off-putting. It can be stiff and mechanical. Nonetheless, I still love the general setting: the characters of Perry, Della, Paul, Lt. Tragg, and Hamilton Berger. That, and the ingenious plots, are why I read Perry Mason.
On the whole, the ones written by 1950 are the best. This one was written in 1953, and is an exception to the rule: it's excellent. It begins unusually, with a courtroom scene. Perry is defending a poor older man who is accused of armed robbery. Two wealthy people were in their car stopped at a red light when suddenly a man jerked open the driver's door, pointed a gun, and held them up. He made off with a purse, jewelry, and a wallet. The purse and wallet were later found in the trash can of the defendant, who lives in a trailer. The case was given to Perry as an assigned case.
The book opens late on a Friday afternoon with him cross-examining the woman who was there, Mrs. Lavina, who owns three restaurants. She and the rich man who was driving, Mr. Archer, have positively
identified the defendant. She says that after the robbery, she was driven home by an employee of hers who came to pick her up, one Inez Kaylor, who works as a hostess. Paul Drake has tracked down Inez Kaylor in Las Vegas, and Perry is going to introduce her as a surprise witness to refute Mrs. Lavina's testimony -- but Inez Kaylor has suddenly disappeared! Perry manages to stall until court is adjourned. Perry has until Monday morning to find Inez Kaylor or surely the defendant will be found guilty.
This book is unusual in that organized crime figures prominently in the plot. Mrs. Lavina's restaurants are tied in with illegal gambling. In trying to hunt for Inez Kaylor, Perry is taken for a ride (literally) to a gambling den and a beautiful hostess tries to seduce him! Is it Inez Kaylor, or does she have a sister who is also a hostess?
The defendant's neice, Mary Brogan, shows up to help. She's a spunky attractive young woman, a recurring character in the Perry Mason novels. Paul Drake warns Perry that some bad criminals are involved in all of this. Every move that Perry makes seems to be countered by an organized opposition. They think they have found Ms. Kaylor, only to have her spirited away somewhere. Then suddenly the defendant is accused of a murder that took place the same night as the holdup! It's a frame-up for sure. As the plot thickens, Della comes under jeopardy of physical harm. Lt. Tragg plays a positive role.
There are some truly excellent courtroom scenes, unfortunately not with Hamilton Burger but an assistant DA named Fritch. These are surely some of the very best courtroom scenes in all the Perry Mason novels.
A recurring theme is that at one point Perry and Della fly off to Las Vegas, apparently to get married. The Fan Dancer's Horse also has two attractive young women who get confused with one another. Another recurring theme in the novels is abuse of power by the wealthy, against the hard working honest people of modest means whom Perry Mason champions. The Green-eyed Sister, also from 1953, is also excellent. It also has important characters named Brogan and Fritch.
This one is a real page turner! Most of the earlier Perry Mason books are, but not all. Of all the Mason books, I would put it in the top 15%. Highly recommended.
Those who are used to really fine mystery writers (with the emphasis on "writer"), such as Ross Macdonald, may find the writing style here off-putting. It can be stiff and mechanical. Nonetheless, I still love the general setting: the characters of Perry, Della, Paul, Lt. Tragg, and Hamilton Berger. That, and the ingenious plots, are why I read Perry Mason.
On the whole, the ones written by 1950 are the best. This one was written in 1953, and is an exception to the rule: it's excellent. It begins unusually, with a courtroom scene. Perry is defending a poor older man who is accused of armed robbery. Two wealthy people were in their car stopped at a red light when suddenly a man jerked open the driver's door, pointed a gun, and held them up. He made off with a purse, jewelry, and a wallet. The purse and wallet were later found in the trash can of the defendant, who lives in a trailer. The case was given to Perry as an assigned case.
The book opens late on a Friday afternoon with him cross-examining the woman who was there, Mrs. Lavina, who owns three restaurants. She and the rich man who was driving, Mr. Archer, have positively
identified the defendant. She says that after the robbery, she was driven home by an employee of hers who came to pick her up, one Inez Kaylor, who works as a hostess. Paul Drake has tracked down Inez Kaylor in Las Vegas, and Perry is going to introduce her as a surprise witness to refute Mrs. Lavina's testimony -- but Inez Kaylor has suddenly disappeared! Perry manages to stall until court is adjourned. Perry has until Monday morning to find Inez Kaylor or surely the defendant will be found guilty.
This book is unusual in that organized crime figures prominently in the plot. Mrs. Lavina's restaurants are tied in with illegal gambling. In trying to hunt for Inez Kaylor, Perry is taken for a ride (literally) to a gambling den and a beautiful hostess tries to seduce him! Is it Inez Kaylor, or does she have a sister who is also a hostess?
The defendant's neice, Mary Brogan, shows up to help. She's a spunky attractive young woman, a recurring character in the Perry Mason novels. Paul Drake warns Perry that some bad criminals are involved in all of this. Every move that Perry makes seems to be countered by an organized opposition. They think they have found Ms. Kaylor, only to have her spirited away somewhere. Then suddenly the defendant is accused of a murder that took place the same night as the holdup! It's a frame-up for sure. As the plot thickens, Della comes under jeopardy of physical harm. Lt. Tragg plays a positive role.
There are some truly excellent courtroom scenes, unfortunately not with Hamilton Burger but an assistant DA named Fritch. These are surely some of the very best courtroom scenes in all the Perry Mason novels.
A recurring theme is that at one point Perry and Della fly off to Las Vegas, apparently to get married. The Fan Dancer's Horse also has two attractive young women who get confused with one another. Another recurring theme in the novels is abuse of power by the wealthy, against the hard working honest people of modest means whom Perry Mason champions. The Green-eyed Sister, also from 1953, is also excellent. It also has important characters named Brogan and Fritch.
This one is a real page turner! Most of the earlier Perry Mason books are, but not all. Of all the Mason books, I would put it in the top 15%. Highly recommended.
July 4, 2018
This is why, when the chips are down, the guy you want fighting for you -- from all that's out there, Hercule Poirot, Sherlock Holmes, Philip Marlowe, and Travis McGee included -- is Perry Mason. Having the shrewdest legal mind the last person between you and the sentencing judge is part of it, but there's more. He's like a samurai: from the moment you're his client, your fate is the only thing that matters. And he will do everything within and not infrequently just outside the law to see justice served. In this book, even Tragg cannot withhold his awe, telling Mason's pro bono client: "I hope you know you just got about a million dollars worth of legal services for free."
A very strong entry. All hands on deck.
A very strong entry. All hands on deck.
October 5, 2018
This story is one of my favourite Perry Mason mystery, because it shows the human side of Mason in very bright shiny lights. Mason is assigned a penniless defendant and he does defend it as if there was a million dollar fee in it, .
Every thing is bad from the defendant's point of view from the start and it keep on gathering, until at very end. You can see how some people are lieing, perjuring, and pushing for the conviction and making it darker, and you can see how every discovery makes Mason helpless.
All in all its a good mystery. I love it, I'm sure you'll love it too.
Every thing is bad from the defendant's point of view from the start and it keep on gathering, until at very end. You can see how some people are lieing, perjuring, and pushing for the conviction and making it darker, and you can see how every discovery makes Mason helpless.
All in all its a good mystery. I love it, I'm sure you'll love it too.
March 18, 2014
As good as any other Perry Mason novel....Gardner makes you turn the pages waiting for the proverbial "what will happen next"....with the end culminating in final courtroom scene where inspite of odds being highly unfavourable our lawyer friend Mr Mason literally ends up pulling the carpet from the opponent's feet.
Though I must confess I miss the gung ho attitude and self depreciating humour of Hadley Chase's protagonist but in terms of intelligently crafted thrillers Gardner has no equal. !!!
Though I must confess I miss the gung ho attitude and self depreciating humour of Hadley Chase's protagonist but in terms of intelligently crafted thrillers Gardner has no equal. !!!
July 15, 2023
One of my FAVORITES
Wow. This one is complex right to the very end!! Courtroom drama! Complex characters! Another gem where Mason teams up with Tragg, and Drake of course! These three are UNSTOPPABLE. Whenever Mason thinks Della is in a jam, get ready for him to go to hell and back to make sure she's ok. I just love seeing Mason pursue every carefully thought out hunch. Also let me get this in writing: Tragg is an absolute BADASS. Gonna read this book again right now because it was THAT GOOD.
Wow. This one is complex right to the very end!! Courtroom drama! Complex characters! Another gem where Mason teams up with Tragg, and Drake of course! These three are UNSTOPPABLE. Whenever Mason thinks Della is in a jam, get ready for him to go to hell and back to make sure she's ok. I just love seeing Mason pursue every carefully thought out hunch. Also let me get this in writing: Tragg is an absolute BADASS. Gonna read this book again right now because it was THAT GOOD.
August 14, 2021
Perry Mason is assigned by the court to represent an indigent defendant. Even as the charge moves from robbery to first-degree murder and costs for the Drake Detective Agency rises greatly, Perry keeps everyone focused on the fact that this is his client and he intends to give this indigent client his best effort regardless of the cost. Kudos Perry!
As always, courtroom scenes are excellent. Perry's cross-examinations should be a lesson for all law students.
As always, courtroom scenes are excellent. Perry's cross-examinations should be a lesson for all law students.
May 2, 2016
I had never read Erle Stanley Gardner before. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's almost all dialogue, and it's very witty and engaging, along with a riveting storyline. And, yes, as I was reading, I pictured in my mind Raymond Burr as Perry Mason, Barbara Hale as Della Street, William Hopper as Paul Drake, and Ray Collins as Lt. Tragg! A really fun, highly entertaining read.
July 25, 2019
Albert Brogan is arrested on suspicion of robbery. Down on his luck, he cannot afford a lawyer. Coincidence places Perry Mason in the same courtroom during his arraignment and the judge duly appoints Mason as Brogan's counsel.
Gardner spins many different plates as the robbery connects to a murder and, in the course of the novel, readers are soon dragged into a desperate race against time.
Gardner spins many different plates as the robbery connects to a murder and, in the course of the novel, readers are soon dragged into a desperate race against time.
January 7, 2015
This one started out right in the middle of the courtroom with the action unfolding and it held on to that pace right to the end. This is one of those that I really enjoyed in the series. Kept me on my mental toes.
January 12, 2017
Wow, what a circus! With any Perry Mason story you expect action and deception, but this one takes the cake. Starts in the middle of a courtroom scene where Perry's been appointed to defend a man accused of holding up a driver at a traffic light and from there goes places. Top tier.
August 23, 2021
This is one of my favorite Perry Mason stories because it has an intriguing plot, witty dialogue, well-developed characters, and an ending that surprises.
This was made into a Perry Mason television episode.
💥 Recommended.
🟣
📺
This was made into a Perry Mason television episode.
💥 Recommended.
🟣
📺
November 10, 2021
Nunca había leído una de Perry Mason y creo que ya he tenido suficiente. Me ha resultado demasiado artificioso, superado por todo lo que se ha visto en televisión y cine y por todo lo que se ha escrito después.
December 22, 2021
One of the best murder mysteries I have ever read!!
Loved the way how the lawyer fought against all odds and did not give up till the end. The cross-examonation as always is worth a read.
Loved the way how the lawyer fought against all odds and did not give up till the end. The cross-examonation as always is worth a read.
February 23, 2023
TCOT Hesitant Hostess
Perry Mason is really active in this book. The action occurs from late Friday afternoon to Monday. PM and the gang are all around LA and even get to Las Vegas. Plus there are several intense courtroom scenes.
Perry Mason is really active in this book. The action occurs from late Friday afternoon to Monday. PM and the gang are all around LA and even get to Las Vegas. Plus there are several intense courtroom scenes.
June 28, 2016
Classic Perry Mason. If you enjoy Perry Mason mysteries then you will enjoy this one for certain. Best of the Perry Mason novels I've read so far.
September 21, 2018
A short & crisp page-turner. Keeps you hooked till the last page! Also exhibits outstanding instances of amazing Advocacy skills. A must read for people pursuing Law..
October 1, 2018
Too many models in this one. Too much confusion. First case where Mason gets an assigned case. The solution was kind of obvious too.
April 23, 2019
This Mason thriller started out unlike any other that I have read from Gardner. This was an interesting plot that kept me reading! I really enjoyed this book!
May 9, 2020
There were a few Perry x Della moments and at this point it's all I care about. Sorry not sorry.
Recommended 15+ for romance, kidnapping, drug running, and adult themes.
Recommended 15+ for romance, kidnapping, drug running, and adult themes.
September 29, 2023
Perry Mason, kamu davası olarak Albert Brogan adlı bir adamın davasını almıştır. Burada Archer ve Martha Lavine adında bir çiftin silahlı soyguna uğraması ve bunu yapanın Albert olduğuna dair bir davadır. Cuma günü Mason, Martha'yı sıkıştırmaya başlar. Ama amacı erteleme almaktır. Haftasonu jüri dahil kimse dava ile ilgili görüşmeyecektir. Arabanın tabanında bir sigara yanığı ve kadının çantasında yırtıklar önemli bilgilerdir. Mason için Martha'nın yanında çalışan Ivez Kaylor tanıklık yapacaktır ama vazgeçer. Bu arada Albert'ın yeğeni Mary gelir ve elinden ne gelirse yardım edeceğini söyler. Martha aslında kumarhane de işletmektedir. Burada Petty adında biri ile görüşen Mason ikiz kardeş olmasından şüphelenir ve Las Vegas'a Della ile gider. Burada eve gelen Gibbs adında biri kaçamak yaptığını ve masum olduğunu söyler. Ama gizlice bir kağıt almıştır. Ayrıca Archer'ın Brogan'ın sürdüğü dediği arabada bir ceset çıkması olayların seyrini değiştirir. Bu cesedin bacağında da bir yanık izi vardır. Ama mahkemede Mason, Archer ve Martha'yı ifadeler ve Paul Drake'in yardımıyla darmadağın eder. Arabada Martha'nın olmadığı, Archer'ın başka bir yeri aradığı gibi. Della'yı da bir mankenlik ajansına gönderir. Ofisine gelince Tragg onu karşılar. Şüphelerini anlatır ve özel telefonu çalıp kapanır. Della tehlikededir. Tragg ile Della'nın gittiği apartmana gidince Gibbs ile karşılaşırlar. Ve Martha'nın çantalarındaki gibi bir sürü ayna. Bu aynalardan kokain çıkınca çerçeve netleşir. Acaba bundan sonra neler olacaktır? Mason olayı çözebilecek mıdır? Tragg, Holcomb'un metotlarını mı kullanacaktır? Arabadaki ceset kimdir? Keyifle soluksuz okunan bir roman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2024
God damn it – I try to be critical and not give almost all of these 5s, but Hesitant is another Perry Mason novel that I want to hit with a full SIX stars. This is up there with the best I have read so far. It is unique in a few ways. For example, it is the only one I am aware of that opens in the court room. Further, almost the entire story, except for some evidence collecting, and witness hunting, occurs in the court room. You get to see both Sgt. Holcomb and Lt. Tragg in action in this one. Tragg in particular has to go full cop here. Neither of them is trying directly to make Mason look bad, but both get involved in the case. And a particularly grumpy judge is angry at both the assistant DA and Mason, making for some fascinating arguments in the court. There are some good Drake moments as well, but Della really gets in on the action – almost too much for her own good. Hesitant Hostess belongs on the must-read list.
March 19, 2024
An incredibly complex mystery. The action in this Perry Mason installment harkens back to the old crime noir novels of the 1930's in that the actions of the characters are very edgy and physical. Not a typical Mason book of the 1950s. I thoroughly enjoyed the read although the courtroom dialog wasn't as crisp as other Mason mysteries from this timeframe. The main thing setting this mystery apart to me was that it was something totally different and left me baffled throughout the book (which is the way a good mystery should be!!). Very entertaining and quick read.
March 4, 2024
Just When It Looked Hopeless
A stickup artist dumps a stolen wallet and purse in an unfortunate man’s trash bin, and the man finds himself accused of armed robbery. It looks as though he may be allowed to cop a plea to a lesser charge — until he finds himself also accused of a grisly murder.
Can you spot the flaw in the prosecution’s case? Can you follow the key clues that lead to the solution? Read about how Perry Mason cracks open the case.
A stickup artist dumps a stolen wallet and purse in an unfortunate man’s trash bin, and the man finds himself accused of armed robbery. It looks as though he may be allowed to cop a plea to a lesser charge — until he finds himself also accused of a grisly murder.
Can you spot the flaw in the prosecution’s case? Can you follow the key clues that lead to the solution? Read about how Perry Mason cracks open the case.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews