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Locked Room Puzzles
The locked room mystery is a subgenre of detective fiction in which a crime is committed under apparently impossible circumstances. Greenberg and Pronzini's novel is a collection of these "locked room mysteries," and is sure to entertain—and confound—its readers.
225 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
3 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Martin H. Greenberg
910 books163 followersMartin Harry Greenberg was an American academic and speculative fiction anthologist. In all, he compiled 1,298 anthologies and commissioned over 8,200 original short stories. He founded Tekno Books, a packager of more than 2000 published books. In addition, he was a co-founder of the Sci-Fi Channel.
For the 1950s anthologist and publisher of Gnome Press, see Martin Greenberg.
For the 1950s anthologist and publisher of Gnome Press, see Martin Greenberg.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 25, 2016
Locked Room Mysteries- 4 stars...
Vol. 3: Locked Room Puzzles consists of four locked room mysteries...
The Third Bullet by John Dickson Carr-5 stars
I liked it a lot. It's about a judge that's found murdered in his study which no one had access to. There was also 1 gun found, 1 suspect in the room & 3 bullets from 3 different guns so where did the other 2 bullets come from?? It was a fun locked room mystery and I didn't figure it out until the very end after all of the clues were pretty much announced already. : )
Booktaker by Bill Pronzini- 5 stars
This was a favorite of mine particularly because the setting was a bookstore. Some one had been stealing rare and valuable maps, prints & documents from the store during the hours of 11-2. The owner, Mr. Rothman, was at a loss to who was committing the thefts because the store had a faulty alarm system, sensors, locked windows and fire doors and he had taken back the two keys to the antiquarian room after the first theft occurred. So Mr. Rothman hires a private investigator to pose as an employee in hopes of catching the thief.
From Another World by Clayton Rawson- 5 stars
In From Another World, a very wealthy man that's been murdered and an unconscious psychic apport medium, are found inside his study which has been sealed from the inside. Merlini, the famous magician, was asked in by police to help discover how the murder was committed. I liked this one a lot because of its paranormal and magic undertones. It was pretty entertaining and a challenge to figure out.
Day of the Wizard by Edward D. Hoch- 2 stars
This mystery features one of Hoch's leading characters, Simon Ark, who is said to be a two-thousand year old Coptic priest. He is asked to "solve the mystery of a wrecked plane in the desert and its strange cargo, an enigmatic magician and a drugged blonde. This one started out pretty good but I didn't care for how it ended and the multiple threads weren't tied together very well it seemed like. I just felt confused when it ended instead of satisfied.
I read this for my 2016 Halloween Bingo: ~Locked Room Mystery~ square.
Vol. 3: Locked Room Puzzles consists of four locked room mysteries...
The Third Bullet by John Dickson Carr-5 stars
I liked it a lot. It's about a judge that's found murdered in his study which no one had access to. There was also 1 gun found, 1 suspect in the room & 3 bullets from 3 different guns so where did the other 2 bullets come from?? It was a fun locked room mystery and I didn't figure it out until the very end after all of the clues were pretty much announced already. : )
Booktaker by Bill Pronzini- 5 stars
This was a favorite of mine particularly because the setting was a bookstore. Some one had been stealing rare and valuable maps, prints & documents from the store during the hours of 11-2. The owner, Mr. Rothman, was at a loss to who was committing the thefts because the store had a faulty alarm system, sensors, locked windows and fire doors and he had taken back the two keys to the antiquarian room after the first theft occurred. So Mr. Rothman hires a private investigator to pose as an employee in hopes of catching the thief.
From Another World by Clayton Rawson- 5 stars
In From Another World, a very wealthy man that's been murdered and an unconscious psychic apport medium, are found inside his study which has been sealed from the inside. Merlini, the famous magician, was asked in by police to help discover how the murder was committed. I liked this one a lot because of its paranormal and magic undertones. It was pretty entertaining and a challenge to figure out.
Day of the Wizard by Edward D. Hoch- 2 stars
This mystery features one of Hoch's leading characters, Simon Ark, who is said to be a two-thousand year old Coptic priest. He is asked to "solve the mystery of a wrecked plane in the desert and its strange cargo, an enigmatic magician and a drugged blonde. This one started out pretty good but I didn't care for how it ended and the multiple threads weren't tied together very well it seemed like. I just felt confused when it ended instead of satisfied.
I read this for my 2016 Halloween Bingo: ~Locked Room Mystery~ square.
June 17, 2020
This is the third book in this "series/set" dedicated to locked room novellas (too long to be a short too short to be a novel.)
Included: John Dickson Carr "The Third Bullet", Bill Pronzini "Booktaker", Clayton Rawson "From Another World", Edward D. Hoch "Day of the Wizard."
The Carr story has a Colonel Marquis and Inspector Page investigating how a man in a locked room with a gun and shot at the victim, wasn't the killer. It's a piece by piece detection and a lot of trying to decide who is telling the truth. Booktaker, I may have read elsewhere, I certainly have read other stories- the story telling is fun, and generally his stories revolved around books, won't say more as it would spoil the story. Rawson's work I've read all of it before and he certainly deserves a place in this series as his writing, knowledge of magic and his character The Great Merlini deserve to be better known. Hoch's Simon Ark character appears in this locked room (of sorts) mystery, but as with other stories in this series- Simon Ark is the most interesting aspect of it- the 1500 (?) year old man has seen it all.
I like the selection as the works are a more unusual selection of authors- Carr excepted. It's a great way to find some new "old" authors as well. This is the second Simon Ark story and I now want to find more! This is an old set so if you find it, or parts grab it.
Included: John Dickson Carr "The Third Bullet", Bill Pronzini "Booktaker", Clayton Rawson "From Another World", Edward D. Hoch "Day of the Wizard."
The Carr story has a Colonel Marquis and Inspector Page investigating how a man in a locked room with a gun and shot at the victim, wasn't the killer. It's a piece by piece detection and a lot of trying to decide who is telling the truth. Booktaker, I may have read elsewhere, I certainly have read other stories- the story telling is fun, and generally his stories revolved around books, won't say more as it would spoil the story. Rawson's work I've read all of it before and he certainly deserves a place in this series as his writing, knowledge of magic and his character The Great Merlini deserve to be better known. Hoch's Simon Ark character appears in this locked room (of sorts) mystery, but as with other stories in this series- Simon Ark is the most interesting aspect of it- the 1500 (?) year old man has seen it all.
I like the selection as the works are a more unusual selection of authors- Carr excepted. It's a great way to find some new "old" authors as well. This is the second Simon Ark story and I now want to find more! This is an old set so if you find it, or parts grab it.
August 27, 2025
No room is truly locked. Only if you believe it is.
The third bullet 2*
The longest story in this collection, unfortunately, fell flat for me. The story felt like it went on too long as it spends most of its time being a discussion between the many characters. The story relies on the reader falling into classic archetypes with their assumptions about who the murderer is. If you don't make the right assumption, the ending will be less satisfying. I did enjoy the included diagram of the crime scene, but that was the best part of this 100-page short story for me.
Book taker 4*
This was a fun classic whodunit story. Right from the start, we are introduced to a likable detective and a crime with 4 main suspects. The story is fast-paced enough that the reader never gets bored and leaves just enough bread crumbs for the reader to ponder along with the detective. The ending is a satisfying one that ties all the clues together in a nice bow.
From another world 4*
This one is weird right from the start, with its otherworldly elements, the reader gets to make a choice in whether they believe in the supernatural elements of the story. Depending on what the reader chooses as fact, there are different avenues they are led down. This story also had the greatest theme of them all and went beyond just a classic whodunit. It also featured great comedy and humor that ties into the mystery and leaves the reader on a high note once the mystery is solved.
Day of the wizard 3*
This one was the most adventurous of the four stories. The mystery was tied into a mission across the desert, which added to its enjoyment. It felt more like a blend of genres, each added to the plot and overall story. They work together to keep the reader engaged and give the mystery some extra substance. This one also had the simplest of reveals for the main mystery, but another mystery quickly unfolds from that. There are really three different mysteries in this one.
Overall, this was a good collection with a central theme of the locked room. Each story had something different to bring to the table, allowing the reader to step into different worlds and experience different genres.
The third bullet 2*
The longest story in this collection, unfortunately, fell flat for me. The story felt like it went on too long as it spends most of its time being a discussion between the many characters. The story relies on the reader falling into classic archetypes with their assumptions about who the murderer is. If you don't make the right assumption, the ending will be less satisfying. I did enjoy the included diagram of the crime scene, but that was the best part of this 100-page short story for me.
Book taker 4*
This was a fun classic whodunit story. Right from the start, we are introduced to a likable detective and a crime with 4 main suspects. The story is fast-paced enough that the reader never gets bored and leaves just enough bread crumbs for the reader to ponder along with the detective. The ending is a satisfying one that ties all the clues together in a nice bow.
From another world 4*
This one is weird right from the start, with its otherworldly elements, the reader gets to make a choice in whether they believe in the supernatural elements of the story. Depending on what the reader chooses as fact, there are different avenues they are led down. This story also had the greatest theme of them all and went beyond just a classic whodunit. It also featured great comedy and humor that ties into the mystery and leaves the reader on a high note once the mystery is solved.
Day of the wizard 3*
This one was the most adventurous of the four stories. The mystery was tied into a mission across the desert, which added to its enjoyment. It felt more like a blend of genres, each added to the plot and overall story. They work together to keep the reader engaged and give the mystery some extra substance. This one also had the simplest of reveals for the main mystery, but another mystery quickly unfolds from that. There are really three different mysteries in this one.
Overall, this was a good collection with a central theme of the locked room. Each story had something different to bring to the table, allowing the reader to step into different worlds and experience different genres.
March 23, 2024
Three and a half stars to John Dickson Carr and one and a half stars to Clayton Rawson. Carr's story was the first one in the book. I liked this one the best. I'm biased. I've always liked his stories. This one was no exception. Out of the four stories in this book, this one involved a real mystery and real detection work.
I liked Rawson's story next best, because of the detection work. The evidence against the suspect was a little flimsy. A good lawyer would have no problem getting the suspect off. I liked the story nevertheless.
Bill Pronzini - this is not a "locked room" puzzle in the technical sense. It's not even a real detective story in my mind. The detective takes a job at a bookstore for two days, asks three suspects a few questions, and solves the mystery almost immediately. I solved the mystery myself almost immediately. The mystery was too elementary.
Edward Hoch - this was my least favorite. A 2000 year old wizard solves a crime for the American government. Hmmm. The Americans would never be so daft as to hire a 2000 year old wizard to help them with their problems. This is a fantasy story / fairy tale more than a mystery or detective novel.
I liked Rawson's story next best, because of the detection work. The evidence against the suspect was a little flimsy. A good lawyer would have no problem getting the suspect off. I liked the story nevertheless.
Bill Pronzini - this is not a "locked room" puzzle in the technical sense. It's not even a real detective story in my mind. The detective takes a job at a bookstore for two days, asks three suspects a few questions, and solves the mystery almost immediately. I solved the mystery myself almost immediately. The mystery was too elementary.
Edward Hoch - this was my least favorite. A 2000 year old wizard solves a crime for the American government. Hmmm. The Americans would never be so daft as to hire a 2000 year old wizard to help them with their problems. This is a fantasy story / fairy tale more than a mystery or detective novel.
January 1, 2018
The key to a great locked room puzzle is a problem that is as straightforward as it is complex, as paradoxical as that may sound. In particular, the second and third of the puzzles in this anthology of four met that criterion admirably. They were clever and engaging. I'd go so far as to give "From Another World" a five-star rating. The first puzzle was lengthy and lacked focus, although impressively detailed, and the last also lacked focus and was far too obvious.
May 9, 2019
from another world was the reason i picked it up due to the taped room bet between carr and rawson done beautifully although easy to guess the murderer.
October 25, 2016
Our final draw of the week is
Volume 3: Locked Room Puzzles
. This one should have been my personal favorite, and there are two good stories in this one, but reading Clayton Rawson's contribution made me want the rest to be at his standard so badly that it was frustrating to have to wade through them.
The Third Bullet by John Dickson Carr solves the locked room murder of a judge. It's a period piece which I always love, the second best in the collection, and the suspects are interesting and an enjoyable read. There's a bit of drivel in the last paragraph that hardly need be mentioned for lack of a better closing, but it's not senseless enough to spoil the rest.
Booktaker by co-editor (self-promotion much?) Bill Pronzini tells the story of a detective who is hired to figured out who has been stealing rare items from a bookstore, and how. It's a good story, and the romance between the detective and his girlfriend managed to avoid being placed in the same importance as the mystery, which many authors I've read fail to understand isn't what we read mysteries for. The puzzle takes place in the locked room, but the story itself spreads out into the city streets, which is also a breath of fresh air. Maybe a bit bland though, car chase not withstanding. There's nothing wrong technically but I don't think I'd go out of my way to read more of his works.
Clayton Rawson’s From Another World is about a man who is found dead and locked in a room with a terrified conjurer. The puzzle is solved by an illusionist so this author probably has a theme running though his works since I can't see this 'detective' being very useful outside his profession. Easily the best the compilation has to offer, FAW is ingenious and its solution will leave you opened jawed with its simplify, even though the room is not only locked, but even air tight.
Day of the Wizard by Edward D. Hoch is the forgetful tale of a ‘wizard’ who must find a crashed plane lost in the dessert. The plot wandered around a lot and the sequence of events failed to flow. The locked room in this one was a cabinet used in a magic act. An Egyptian girl went in, and, to the stage magician's shock, a drugged American fumbled out. Don't bother reading this one at all, it tries to be too much and just becomes scattered.
The verdict? The Third Bullet and From Another World are both wonderful pieces of work that you might want to look up this book to read, but the other two are bland or bizzare. I'll leave this one up to you, but I say it's worth reading at least.
The Third Bullet by John Dickson Carr solves the locked room murder of a judge. It's a period piece which I always love, the second best in the collection, and the suspects are interesting and an enjoyable read. There's a bit of drivel in the last paragraph that hardly need be mentioned for lack of a better closing, but it's not senseless enough to spoil the rest.
Booktaker by co-editor (self-promotion much?) Bill Pronzini tells the story of a detective who is hired to figured out who has been stealing rare items from a bookstore, and how. It's a good story, and the romance between the detective and his girlfriend managed to avoid being placed in the same importance as the mystery, which many authors I've read fail to understand isn't what we read mysteries for. The puzzle takes place in the locked room, but the story itself spreads out into the city streets, which is also a breath of fresh air. Maybe a bit bland though, car chase not withstanding. There's nothing wrong technically but I don't think I'd go out of my way to read more of his works.
Clayton Rawson’s From Another World is about a man who is found dead and locked in a room with a terrified conjurer. The puzzle is solved by an illusionist so this author probably has a theme running though his works since I can't see this 'detective' being very useful outside his profession. Easily the best the compilation has to offer, FAW is ingenious and its solution will leave you opened jawed with its simplify, even though the room is not only locked, but even air tight.
Day of the Wizard by Edward D. Hoch is the forgetful tale of a ‘wizard’ who must find a crashed plane lost in the dessert. The plot wandered around a lot and the sequence of events failed to flow. The locked room in this one was a cabinet used in a magic act. An Egyptian girl went in, and, to the stage magician's shock, a drugged American fumbled out. Don't bother reading this one at all, it tries to be too much and just becomes scattered.
The verdict? The Third Bullet and From Another World are both wonderful pieces of work that you might want to look up this book to read, but the other two are bland or bizzare. I'll leave this one up to you, but I say it's worth reading at least.
August 24, 2015
A collection of four longish works. The editors say that they are attempting to print stories that usually do not make it into anthologies because they are too long, but are also too short to be printed as stand alone novels.
The first, The Third Bullet, by John Dickson Carr has a delightfully British flavor. Bill Pronzini's Booktaker feels more west coast. Clayton Rawson's From Another World has a Lovecraftian edge to it. The final story, Day of the Wizard, by Edward D. Hoch takes place in Egypt, but thankfully not in a pyramid. All of the stories are accomplished and entertaining.
The first, The Third Bullet, by John Dickson Carr has a delightfully British flavor. Bill Pronzini's Booktaker feels more west coast. Clayton Rawson's From Another World has a Lovecraftian edge to it. The final story, Day of the Wizard, by Edward D. Hoch takes place in Egypt, but thankfully not in a pyramid. All of the stories are accomplished and entertaining.
November 4, 2014
I like this series. Interesting, short mysteries make for quick reading.
July 20, 2017
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14642030
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14642030
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews