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Perry Mason #67
The Case of the Blonde Bonanza, Perry Mason in
Secretary Della Street is vacationing in Bolero Beach with her aunt, Mae Kirby. She becomes acquainted with "Blonde Bonanze" Dianne Alder, an attractive woman on a binge to gain weight quickly. Attorney Perry Mason is curious, and finds Alder has a contract with Harrison T. Boring, in which she is to gain certain weight in order to model some larger fashions. The contract has a curious stipulation that during the term of the contract, Dianne must share her income from all sources 50/50 with Boring. Mason is suspicious of that clause, thinking some is looking for Dianne to come into some money, and that the fashion reason is just a ruse. When Mason turns up some skeletons in Alder's closet, a murder occurs and she becomes the prime suspect. RM
Hardcover
First published March 1, 1962
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About the author
Erle Stanley Gardner
1,354 books819 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 65 reviews
August 1, 2020
Raymond Burr played Perry Mason during the original series on CBS (1957-1966) as well as the made-for-TV movies (1985-1995) intended as a continuation. Although the original CBS program was filmed in glorious black-and-white, all the telemovies were filmed in living color. Hal Holbrook and Paul Sorvino appeared as friends and fellow attorneys on the TV movie series.
Richard Anderson played Lt. Steve Drumm in the last season of the original 'Perry Mason'. Monte Markham was Mason in a reboot, 'The New Perry Mason' (1973-74), a series that failed so mRaymond Burr played Perry Mason during the original series on CBS (1957-1966) as well as the made-for-TV movies (1985-1995) intended as a continuation. Although the original CBS program was filmed in glorious black-and-white, all the telemovies were filmed in living color. Hal Holbrook and Paul Sorvino appeared as friends and fellow attorneys on the TV movie series.
Raymond Burr played Perry Mason during the original series on CBS (1957-1966) as well as the made-for-TV movies (1985-1995) intended as a continuation. Although the original CBS program was filmed in glorious black-and-white, all the telemovies were filmed in living color. Hal Holbrook and Paul Sorvino appeared as friends and fellow attorneys on the TV movie series.
Richard Anderson played Lt. Steve Drumm in the last season of the original 'Perry Mason'. Monte Markham was Mason in a reboot, 'The New Perry Mason' (1973-74), a series that failed so miserably it was never sold for syndication. Brett Somers played his receptionist, Gertie.
William Katt played Paul Drake, Jr. Katt is the real-life son of actress Barbara Hale (who plays Della Street) and actor Hermann Katt, better known by his stage name Bill Williams. Before joining the telefilm series, Katt played the title lead in the 'The Greatest American Hero' (1981-83) on ABC. 'Hero' developed quite a cult following at the time.
William Hopper, who played Paul Drake, Sr. in the original series, had died in 1970, and so the writers decided that the senior Drake had died, too. The senior Drake's picture appears on the junior Drake's desk, however, to strengthen continuity between the two series. Additionally, in the first telemovie, Perry makes many unfavorable comparisons between father and son, who leads a more relaxed lifestyle, and it is hinted that he may have run his father's business to the ground before re-acquiring Perry's patronage.
Richard Anderson played Lt. Steve Drumm in the last season of the original 'Perry Mason'. Monte Markham was Mason in a reboot, 'The New Perry Mason' (1973-74), a series that failed so mRaymond Burr played Perry Mason during the original series on CBS (1957-1966) as well as the made-for-TV movies (1985-1995) intended as a continuation. Although the original CBS program was filmed in glorious black-and-white, all the telemovies were filmed in living color. Hal Holbrook and Paul Sorvino appeared as friends and fellow attorneys on the TV movie series.
Raymond Burr played Perry Mason during the original series on CBS (1957-1966) as well as the made-for-TV movies (1985-1995) intended as a continuation. Although the original CBS program was filmed in glorious black-and-white, all the telemovies were filmed in living color. Hal Holbrook and Paul Sorvino appeared as friends and fellow attorneys on the TV movie series.
Richard Anderson played Lt. Steve Drumm in the last season of the original 'Perry Mason'. Monte Markham was Mason in a reboot, 'The New Perry Mason' (1973-74), a series that failed so miserably it was never sold for syndication. Brett Somers played his receptionist, Gertie.
William Katt played Paul Drake, Jr. Katt is the real-life son of actress Barbara Hale (who plays Della Street) and actor Hermann Katt, better known by his stage name Bill Williams. Before joining the telefilm series, Katt played the title lead in the 'The Greatest American Hero' (1981-83) on ABC. 'Hero' developed quite a cult following at the time.
William Hopper, who played Paul Drake, Sr. in the original series, had died in 1970, and so the writers decided that the senior Drake had died, too. The senior Drake's picture appears on the junior Drake's desk, however, to strengthen continuity between the two series. Additionally, in the first telemovie, Perry makes many unfavorable comparisons between father and son, who leads a more relaxed lifestyle, and it is hinted that he may have run his father's business to the ground before re-acquiring Perry's patronage.
March 8, 2021
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 may find the writing style here a bit 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 1953 are the best. This one was written in 1962, one of the very last ones.
The story begins unusually with Della vacationing at a beach hotel. Perry has business at a town nearby and stops in. Della tells him an odd story. A lovely young woman has been coming to the same beach every day. She is eating like a horse! Big dinners, extra pies and cakes, you name it. She is obviously trying to gain weight and it is starting to show. What could explain such odd behavior?
Della's Aunt Mae knows the young blonde woman, Diane Alder, and soon Perry and Della learn the story. A man named Harrison T. Boring approached her with an odd proposition. He says he is starting up a new line of fashions that will appeal to the average woman, not one who is unnaturally thin, which is the case with most fashion models. (This actually makes sense!) He wants an attractive model to present them. That's why Diane is trying to gain ten pounds.
That's odd enough, but even more, he had her sign a binding contract. In exchange for $100 a week for the next two years (a pretty good salary in those days), she owes him half of all monies she earns or comes by in that time from any source. It can be renewed up to four more years at his discretion. He evidently expects to earn a great deal from her modeling and TV appearences, hence the name "blonde bonanza."
Perry thinks that there is more here than meets the eye. Later, back in LA, he realizes this is the "missing heir-racket". The stuff about a fashion line is just a red herring. In other words, Boring has figured out that some deceased relative of Diane has left a lot of unclaimed money. Via this contract he can get half of it. Perry meets Boring and also the man who was his boss, one Montrose Foster. Boring worked for Foster until recently, when he suddenly quit. Foster thinks he quit because he is on to something good, and Foster is angry.
Who could this mysterious wealthy relative of Diane's be? It turns out that Diane's father drowned fifteen years earlier, and the body was never found. But he left very little estate.
Recurring theme: a hotel or motel room where a number of people go in and out in a short time and someone is murdered.
No Hamilton Burger, no Tragg, no Holcomb. No named policeman. Good use of Della, average Drake. Perry is not in any legal hot water.
There are a good number of suspects who could have done it.
It's unusual to have two named Drake operatives.
I guessed the culprit early on. This may be the Perry Mason book with the easiest to guess murderer.
This is a solid entry in the Perry Mason canon. It is not exceptional and is rather typical of the late books, except that it is better written than many.
The cast:
Diane Alder, young blonde "bonanza."
Harrison T. Boring, who offers Diane a strange contract.
Montrose Foster, one time boss of Boring.
George D. Winlock, mysterious wealthy man who Harrison Boring is following.
Sid Nye, Paul Drake's right hand man.
Moose Dillard, operative of Paul Drake.
Mrs. Winlock.
Mrs. Winlock's son by a previous marriage, Marvin H. Palmer.
Those who are used to really fine mystery writers may find the writing style here a bit 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 1953 are the best. This one was written in 1962, one of the very last ones.
The story begins unusually with Della vacationing at a beach hotel. Perry has business at a town nearby and stops in. Della tells him an odd story. A lovely young woman has been coming to the same beach every day. She is eating like a horse! Big dinners, extra pies and cakes, you name it. She is obviously trying to gain weight and it is starting to show. What could explain such odd behavior?
Della's Aunt Mae knows the young blonde woman, Diane Alder, and soon Perry and Della learn the story. A man named Harrison T. Boring approached her with an odd proposition. He says he is starting up a new line of fashions that will appeal to the average woman, not one who is unnaturally thin, which is the case with most fashion models. (This actually makes sense!) He wants an attractive model to present them. That's why Diane is trying to gain ten pounds.
That's odd enough, but even more, he had her sign a binding contract. In exchange for $100 a week for the next two years (a pretty good salary in those days), she owes him half of all monies she earns or comes by in that time from any source. It can be renewed up to four more years at his discretion. He evidently expects to earn a great deal from her modeling and TV appearences, hence the name "blonde bonanza."
Perry thinks that there is more here than meets the eye. Later, back in LA, he realizes this is the "missing heir-racket". The stuff about a fashion line is just a red herring. In other words, Boring has figured out that some deceased relative of Diane has left a lot of unclaimed money. Via this contract he can get half of it. Perry meets Boring and also the man who was his boss, one Montrose Foster. Boring worked for Foster until recently, when he suddenly quit. Foster thinks he quit because he is on to something good, and Foster is angry.
Who could this mysterious wealthy relative of Diane's be? It turns out that Diane's father drowned fifteen years earlier, and the body was never found. But he left very little estate.
Recurring theme: a hotel or motel room where a number of people go in and out in a short time and someone is murdered.
No Hamilton Burger, no Tragg, no Holcomb. No named policeman. Good use of Della, average Drake. Perry is not in any legal hot water.
There are a good number of suspects who could have done it.
It's unusual to have two named Drake operatives.
I guessed the culprit early on. This may be the Perry Mason book with the easiest to guess murderer.
This is a solid entry in the Perry Mason canon. It is not exceptional and is rather typical of the late books, except that it is better written than many.
The cast:
Diane Alder, young blonde "bonanza."
Harrison T. Boring, who offers Diane a strange contract.
Montrose Foster, one time boss of Boring.
George D. Winlock, mysterious wealthy man who Harrison Boring is following.
Sid Nye, Paul Drake's right hand man.
Moose Dillard, operative of Paul Drake.
Mrs. Winlock.
Mrs. Winlock's son by a previous marriage, Marvin H. Palmer.
August 8, 2019
Promised myself at the beginning of the summer that in my reading I would recreate the weekday late night lineup of the MeTV network. Chief among my targets was Perry Mason. This was a quick, fun read, mainly because it was driven by dialogue, and it didn't take much imagination to hear the voices, see the faces, of Raymond Burr, Barbara Hale, and William Hopper during the adventure. I know I've seen the episode this novel was turned into, but that was a while ago (and I'm usually drifting off pleasantly at 12:20 AM, so I miss the unmasking of the culprits in most episodes), and it didn't stop me from finding myself surprised by the courtroom revelations.
December 13, 2016
My first Perry Mason/Erie Stanley Gardner book. Quite a good tale.
January 1, 2025
There’s no way Gardner wrote this story with a straight face and wanted us to believe they were platonic. Absolutely no way.
Recommended 14+ to be safe because I was too busy hoping they’d kiss to pay attention.
Recommended 14+ to be safe because I was too busy hoping they’d kiss to pay attention.
July 21, 2017
My mother-in-law is downsizing and getting rid of dozens of books, including a whole stack of Perry Mason books. It was a quick, fun read.
November 26, 2013
As Perry Mason novels go, this is not the best by a long shot. A very long introductory premise, and then a solution in just a few pages. Given the timing of this novel and the fantastic success of the TV show, I think Mr. Gardner whipped this out under time pressure. In any event, for a reader who is delving into Perry Mason for the first time, this is not the book to start with.
October 28, 2018
Quick read. (Remember two stars means ‘it was okay’) The book’s Perry Mason is a bit different than the TV show version. Couldn’t imagine Raymond Burr on a beach wearing swim trunks.
November 14, 2018
I'm loving these Perry Mason novels! Finished this one in one day!
January 20, 2022
#67 in the Perry Mason series. I really enjoyed this story about a confidence game and extortion scheme until the resolution, which was disappointing.
February 8, 2024
Major characters:
Dianne Alder, the Blonde Bonanza
George Alder, her father, believed dead 14 years ago
Harrison T. Boring, Dianne's employer
George D. Winlock, a millionaire
Mrs. Winlock
Marvin Harvey Palmer, Winlock's stepson
Perry Mason, attorney
Paul Drake, P.I.
Sid Nye, P.I.
Steven "Moose" Dillard, P.I.
Locale: Bolero Beach and Los Angeles, California
Synopsis: Secretary Della Street is vacationing in Bolero Beach with her aunt, Mae Kirby. She becomes acquainted with "Blonde Bonanze" Dianne Alder, an attractive woman on a binge to gain weight quickly. Attorney Perry Mason is curious, and finds Alder has a contract with Harrison T. Boring, in which she is to gain certain weight in order to model some larger fashions. The contract has a curious stipulation that during the term of the contract, Dianne must share her income from all sources 50/50 with Boring. Mason is suspicious of that clause, thinking some is looking for Dianne to come into some money, and that the fashion reason is just a ruse.
Mason suspects Boring has turned to blackmail and has him followed to a cottage in a motor court. Mason's operative, "Moose" Dillard, gets a nearby cottage to keep watch, and observes a string of visitors to the cottage, including Dianne Alder. Later, Boring is found dead there, and Dianne becomes the prime suspect.
Review: [spoilers ahead]
For additional reviews indexed by author, please visit The Mystillery Blog and try The Mystillery Reading Challenges!
Dianne Alder, the Blonde Bonanza
George Alder, her father, believed dead 14 years ago
Harrison T. Boring, Dianne's employer
George D. Winlock, a millionaire
Mrs. Winlock
Marvin Harvey Palmer, Winlock's stepson
Perry Mason, attorney
Paul Drake, P.I.
Sid Nye, P.I.
Steven "Moose" Dillard, P.I.
Locale: Bolero Beach and Los Angeles, California
Synopsis: Secretary Della Street is vacationing in Bolero Beach with her aunt, Mae Kirby. She becomes acquainted with "Blonde Bonanze" Dianne Alder, an attractive woman on a binge to gain weight quickly. Attorney Perry Mason is curious, and finds Alder has a contract with Harrison T. Boring, in which she is to gain certain weight in order to model some larger fashions. The contract has a curious stipulation that during the term of the contract, Dianne must share her income from all sources 50/50 with Boring. Mason is suspicious of that clause, thinking some is looking for Dianne to come into some money, and that the fashion reason is just a ruse.
Mason suspects Boring has turned to blackmail and has him followed to a cottage in a motor court. Mason's operative, "Moose" Dillard, gets a nearby cottage to keep watch, and observes a string of visitors to the cottage, including Dianne Alder. Later, Boring is found dead there, and Dianne becomes the prime suspect.
Review: [spoilers ahead]
For additional reviews indexed by author, please visit The Mystillery Blog and try The Mystillery Reading Challenges!
December 28, 2021
اسم الكتاب: بيري ماسون والشقراء الهاربة - The Case of the Blonde Bonanza
اسم الكاتب: إيريل ستانلي جاردنر - Erle Stanley Gardner
عدد الصفحات: 178صفحة
نبذة عن الرواية والكاتب،،
• نُشرت هذه الرواية عام 1962 لأول مرة وتعد هذه الرواية “الشقراء البريئة” من أقوى قصص الكاتب ، برزت فيها براعته في وصف الوقائع وترتيب الحوادث، وطريقة الاستنتاج ومهارة الاستدلال على المجرم الحقيقي بعد أن يعجز البوليس عن الوصول إلى الحقيقة . وبطله في هذا المجال هو بيري ماسون المحامي النابغ الذي اتخذه مؤلف الرواية بطل رواياته البوليسية، وقد استطاع هذا المحامي أن ينقد ديانا دوغلاس الشقراء البريئة من تهمة قتل موراي كاسل التي ألصقها بها البوليس واجتهد في إثبات الجريمة عليها بكل الطرق. ولكن ماسون لم ييأس في البحث عن الحقيقة، وتابع مساعيه العجيبة في كشف غوامض الجريمة متحدياً البوليس مستخدماُ جميع مواهبه في إماطة اللثام عن القاتل الحقيقي حتى وفق في النهاية إليه، فأنقذ البريئة بعد أن تعرض لأحداث رهيبة!.
• بيري ماسون هو شخصية خيالية أمريكية ، ومحامي دفاع جنائي هو الشخصية الرئيسية في أعمال الخيال البوليسي التي كتبها إيرل ستانلي جاردنر. يشتمل Perry Mason على أكثر من 80 رواية وقصة قصيرة ، معظمها ينطوي على محاكمة قتل عميل. عادة ، يثبت ماسون براءة موكله (بدلاً من حكم “ غير مذنب ”) بتورط شخصية أخرى ، ثم يعترف.
~اقتباسات،،
1- إن كل شخص متهم بجريمة سواء كان بريئاً أو مذنباً له الحق في أن ينيب عنه محامٍ أمام المحكمة.
2- الجداول الصغيرة تصنع الأنهار الكبيرة.
3- "... ولكن من هو الرجل الذي لا يغازل المرأة التي يدعوها لتناول عشاء خصوصي معه؟! إنه يلقى بجملة مزدوجة المعنى، ويسرد قصة جريئة بعض الشيء ليرى تأثيرها عليها.
4- "..... إني اتخذتُ مبدأ وهو أن لا أخضع للتهديد أبداً.
5- هناك أيدِ ثابتة صادقة وأخرى تبدو لك كما لو كانت تتهرب.
6- إن قبضة اليد هي حلقة الإتصال بين جسدين، ونوع الإهتزاز والتيار المغناطيسي الذي يمر من أحدهما إلى الآخر.
اسم الكاتب: إيريل ستانلي جاردنر - Erle Stanley Gardner
عدد الصفحات: 178صفحة
نبذة عن الرواية والكاتب،،
• نُشرت هذه الرواية عام 1962 لأول مرة وتعد هذه الرواية “الشقراء البريئة” من أقوى قصص الكاتب ، برزت فيها براعته في وصف الوقائع وترتيب الحوادث، وطريقة الاستنتاج ومهارة الاستدلال على المجرم الحقيقي بعد أن يعجز البوليس عن الوصول إلى الحقيقة . وبطله في هذا المجال هو بيري ماسون المحامي النابغ الذي اتخذه مؤلف الرواية بطل رواياته البوليسية، وقد استطاع هذا المحامي أن ينقد ديانا دوغلاس الشقراء البريئة من تهمة قتل موراي كاسل التي ألصقها بها البوليس واجتهد في إثبات الجريمة عليها بكل الطرق. ولكن ماسون لم ييأس في البحث عن الحقيقة، وتابع مساعيه العجيبة في كشف غوامض الجريمة متحدياً البوليس مستخدماُ جميع مواهبه في إماطة اللثام عن القاتل الحقيقي حتى وفق في النهاية إليه، فأنقذ البريئة بعد أن تعرض لأحداث رهيبة!.
• بيري ماسون هو شخصية خيالية أمريكية ، ومحامي دفاع جنائي هو الشخصية الرئيسية في أعمال الخيال البوليسي التي كتبها إيرل ستانلي جاردنر. يشتمل Perry Mason على أكثر من 80 رواية وقصة قصيرة ، معظمها ينطوي على محاكمة قتل عميل. عادة ، يثبت ماسون براءة موكله (بدلاً من حكم “ غير مذنب ”) بتورط شخصية أخرى ، ثم يعترف.
~اقتباسات،،
1- إن كل شخص متهم بجريمة سواء كان بريئاً أو مذنباً له الحق في أن ينيب عنه محامٍ أمام المحكمة.
2- الجداول الصغيرة تصنع الأنهار الكبيرة.
3- "... ولكن من هو الرجل الذي لا يغازل المرأة التي يدعوها لتناول عشاء خصوصي معه؟! إنه يلقى بجملة مزدوجة المعنى، ويسرد قصة جريئة بعض الشيء ليرى تأثيرها عليها.
4- "..... إني اتخذتُ مبدأ وهو أن لا أخضع للتهديد أبداً.
5- هناك أيدِ ثابتة صادقة وأخرى تبدو لك كما لو كانت تتهرب.
6- إن قبضة اليد هي حلقة الإتصال بين جسدين، ونوع الإهتزاز والتيار المغناطيسي الذي يمر من أحدهما إلى الآخر.
November 30, 2023
Perry Mason, Della Street'in ısrarı üzerine onun tatil yaptığı akrabasının oteline gider. Burada Della ona garip gelen birini gösterir. Güzel bir sarışın olan Dianne Alder, kilo almaya aldırış etmeden ciddi miktarda yemek yemektedir. Bu işi merak eden Mason, Dianne ile görüşünce onun Boring adında bir adamla sözleşme yaptığını, bunun için işi bıraktığını, 6 kilo alması gerektiği, ondan her ay 100 dolar alacağı ve bu süre içerisinde elde edilen geliri yarı yarıya paylaşacağını, tombul bir mankenin çağı değiştireceğini söyler. Ama durumdan şüphelenen Mason, Boring ve sözleşmeyi araştırır. Sanki Dianne'ye miras kalırsa bunun yarısını Boring alacaktır. Boring son ayın parasını ve daha ödeme yapamayacağını belirten bir mektup gönderir. Boring ile görüşen Mason iyice şüphelenir. Sonra Forster adında biri gelir. Boring'in eski işveren ve miras paycısıdır. Winlock adında bir zengin ile ilgilenen Boring yüzünden Mason onunla da görüşür. Ve Winlock'un Dianne'nin 14 yıl önce öldüğü sanılan babası olduğunu öğrenir. Yeni karısı ve oğlu bu durumdan zarar görecektir. Paul'un adamları Sid Nye ve Dillard da Boring'i kaldığı otelde gözler. Bir gece odaya pek çok kişi gelir ve Boring odadan ölü çıkar. En son gelen sarışın Dianne görünür. Dianne odada az kaldığını sadece sözleşmeyi alıp çıktığını söyler. Ama deliller aleyhinedir. Winlock'un karısı ona sahte şahitlik önerir. Dillard'ın notlarında karanlıkta düzgünce yazılanlara göre cinayet saatinde Dianne oradadır. Winlock da gerekirse yalan söyleyeceğini söyler. İki arada bir derede kalan Mason ne yapacaktır? Dianne suçlu mudur? Yoksa notlardaki saatler yanlış mıdır? Katil kimdir? Mason bu işi çözebilecek midir? Keyifle okunan bir roman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2023
Della Street, Perry Mason's private secretary, is visiting her aunt Mae Kirby in Bolero Beach for a two-week holiday. Perry and Della are introduced to model Dianne Alder by her aunt. They learn that she signed an agreement with Harrison Boring under which she was required to put on weight within a set time frame in order to serve as the face of a new collection of clothing for slightly overweight ladies. She is paid $100 per week for the job. Perry is intrigued when he reads a clause in Dianne's contract stating that she must split equally with Boring any money she earns from modelling, television, movies, or any other source, such as inheritances or bequests. She has the option of renewing the contract for an additional two years once the initial two years have passed. Harrison is killed. Dianne is taken into custody for the offence. Perry Mason defends her. The book is a decent read even though the climax is a somewhat disappointing. SATISFYING.
Excellent passages from the book –
Mason – “Della, there's an irresistible body meeting an immovable bathing suit. Something is bound to happen."
Della -- "I suppose you just stood there with your hands in your pockets while the attorney and the judge were arguing." "I tried to act the part of a peacemaker," Mason said. "I poured oil on the troubled flames." Della Street laughed. "I'll bet you did just that.”
"Cocktails?" Della Street asked, with a smile. "The works," Mason said. "Somehow I feel like celebrating. I love to get into a situation where everyone is trying to double-cross everyone else.”
Excellent passages from the book –
Mason – “Della, there's an irresistible body meeting an immovable bathing suit. Something is bound to happen."
Della -- "I suppose you just stood there with your hands in your pockets while the attorney and the judge were arguing." "I tried to act the part of a peacemaker," Mason said. "I poured oil on the troubled flames." Della Street laughed. "I'll bet you did just that.”
"Cocktails?" Della Street asked, with a smile. "The works," Mason said. "Somehow I feel like celebrating. I love to get into a situation where everyone is trying to double-cross everyone else.”
June 4, 2025
The Case of the Blonde Bonanza is a slightly offbeat Perry Mason mystery, where the actual crime shows up rather late in the narrative and is resolved rather quickly. But the build-up to the murder is clever and refreshingly different from the usual formula.
Set away from Los Angeles, it gives both Perry, and the reader, a welcome break from the recurring courtroom clashes with Hamilton Burger and the gruff presence of Lt. Tragg. A pleasant and inventive entry in the series.
⸻
The Case of the Blonde Bonanza est un Perry Mason un peu à part, où le crime n’apparaît que tardivement dans le récit et est résolu assez rapidement. Mais toute la montée en tension qui y mène est ingénieuse et change agréablement de la formule habituelle.
Le fait que l’intrigue se déroule en dehors de Los Angeles offre à la fois à Perry, et au lecteur, une pause bienvenue loin de ses confrontations habituelles avec Hamilton Burger et le lieutenant Tragg. Une belle surprise dans la série.
Set away from Los Angeles, it gives both Perry, and the reader, a welcome break from the recurring courtroom clashes with Hamilton Burger and the gruff presence of Lt. Tragg. A pleasant and inventive entry in the series.
⸻
The Case of the Blonde Bonanza est un Perry Mason un peu à part, où le crime n’apparaît que tardivement dans le récit et est résolu assez rapidement. Mais toute la montée en tension qui y mène est ingénieuse et change agréablement de la formule habituelle.
Le fait que l’intrigue se déroule en dehors de Los Angeles offre à la fois à Perry, et au lecteur, une pause bienvenue loin de ses confrontations habituelles avec Hamilton Burger et le lieutenant Tragg. Une belle surprise dans la série.
March 6, 2022
Oops! Was obvious to me that as I finished the book, the Gardner formula of creating an ending before the story. With that thought, this should have been a short story instead of the lengthy contrivance Gardner got published.
There's the typical over pretty dame, the typical flaky premise for Mason to get involved, the dropping everything to solve a case not yet established and then the game playing. This time around the book is just too much. 3/4 of the book could be cut and have a great short story. What is here is not worth the time.
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book. 4 out of ten points.
There's the typical over pretty dame, the typical flaky premise for Mason to get involved, the dropping everything to solve a case not yet established and then the game playing. This time around the book is just too much. 3/4 of the book could be cut and have a great short story. What is here is not worth the time.
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book. 4 out of ten points.
September 26, 2022
This time, Perry and Della run into a beautiful young woman who is attempting to gain 10 pounds for a modeling contract. The terms of the contract are suspicious and. Perry is on the move. Of course, the writer of the contract, who attempted blackmail, is murdered and. Perry's client blamed. Before the plot comes together, murder, blackmail, bigamy and assorted other crimes will come into play. Of course, all comes out right in the end and Perry's client is exonerated. Did anyone think it wouldn't?
February 21, 2023
I had not indulged in a Perry Mason for a while. Usually they combine easy-readability, a predictable format and an out-of-the-hat solution, and this was no exception.
The set- up was mildly intriguing but the solution was disappointingly weak. It was a situation in which every other possibility had to be eliminated so only the improbable was left.
A bit like comfort eating but on this occasion without ultimate satisfaction.
3.25 stars.
The set- up was mildly intriguing but the solution was disappointingly weak. It was a situation in which every other possibility had to be eliminated so only the improbable was left.
A bit like comfort eating but on this occasion without ultimate satisfaction.
3.25 stars.
July 2, 2024
Surprise! Surprise!
Why would a good-looking young woman be deliberately trying to gain weight? That question initially intrigues first Della Street, then Perry Mason. Once Mason gets involved in any situation, however, you know that someone is going to get knocked off.
Who did it? Follow the clues carefully, and put aside any preconceived notions you might have. Then you might figure out the solution.
Why would a good-looking young woman be deliberately trying to gain weight? That question initially intrigues first Della Street, then Perry Mason. Once Mason gets involved in any situation, however, you know that someone is going to get knocked off.
Who did it? Follow the clues carefully, and put aside any preconceived notions you might have. Then you might figure out the solution.
November 22, 2018
This 1962 Perry Mason was a pretty good read, the ending has a good twist. I did enjoy where the Blonde Bonanza, Dianne Alder, had to put on weight as part of her contract eating steak, potatoes, creme and finishing the meal with Apple pie a-la-mode and 2 candy bars. And Della goes on a two week vacation, amazing.
February 15, 2024
Fairly weak edition in the series.
This is one of those out of the jurisdiction of Hamilton Burger and neither he nor Lieutenant Tragg appear.
There’s no romance with Della, and Paul Drake hardly figures in the story.
The whole premise with the ridiculous contract that sets off the case is eye-rolling.
I have 18 more to go in the series, I hope they get back to better material.
This is one of those out of the jurisdiction of Hamilton Burger and neither he nor Lieutenant Tragg appear.
There’s no romance with Della, and Paul Drake hardly figures in the story.
The whole premise with the ridiculous contract that sets off the case is eye-rolling.
I have 18 more to go in the series, I hope they get back to better material.
July 31, 2024
Perry Mason finds himself in a case involving a contract dispute which leads to blackmail, and murder. Mason must protect his client at all cost while looking out for her best interest, and avoid being bribed to accept an offer of perjury by influential citizens in the town of Riverside, CA.
March 22, 2018
Perfect as always
You gotta love Perry Mason. He has always been the best! Wish I could hire a real one just like him. He always knows the right thing to do and he always wins. He’s my hero.
You gotta love Perry Mason. He has always been the best! Wish I could hire a real one just like him. He always knows the right thing to do and he always wins. He’s my hero.
July 14, 2019
Nice, quick read. I don't always love courtroom stories, but this throwback (1960s) one had its entertaining moments. I liked it early, felt like it dragged a bit in the middle, and then the courtroom portion was rapid fire.
December 13, 2020
On a rare weekend off, Perry Mason is intrigued by a beautiful woman who is eating to improve her curves. A dubious contract soon leads to murder and Mason's mystery blonde is accused.
Gardner's novel moves with pace, but still manages to lay the correct foundation for an intricate whodunnit.
Gardner's novel moves with pace, but still manages to lay the correct foundation for an intricate whodunnit.
November 16, 2021
Gardner finds his feet.
In this novel we see Perry Mason maturing as a character. He pursues a complex case in which the solution becomes clear in a last-minute courseroom cross examination. A classic.
In this novel we see Perry Mason maturing as a character. He pursues a complex case in which the solution becomes clear in a last-minute courseroom cross examination. A classic.
July 12, 2017
I didn't like how the story started. half way through I started to get into it. but that didn't make up for it.
August 4, 2018
A very interesting and gripping case. Although, initially I thought this is a rare case where no one dies, midway through the book, I saw the error of my surmise.
June 24, 2020
The end was unexpected.
October 7, 2020
It's an average read.
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