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Ellery Queen Detective #25
Inspector Queen's Own Case
Inspector Richard Queen finally gets a murder case he can call his own
When unmarried women get into trouble, A. Burt Finner is waiting at the hospital to save them. This greasy-lipped fat man knows all about how to change them, how to feed them—and how to sell them to the highest bidder. He buys low, getting them from their distressed mothers just a few hours after birth, and sells high to millionaires who are unable to have children of their own. When one of these infants dies just a few months after its sale, the new family is shocked by the tragedy. Only the newborn’s nurse recognizes the death as murder.
The nurse reaches out to Inspector Richard Queen, the recently retired father of the legendary amateur sleuth Ellery. Given that his son is out of town, the inspector leaps at a chance to solve this chilling mystery on his own—only to find himself falling head over heels for the baby’s caretaker.
When unmarried women get into trouble, A. Burt Finner is waiting at the hospital to save them. This greasy-lipped fat man knows all about how to change them, how to feed them—and how to sell them to the highest bidder. He buys low, getting them from their distressed mothers just a few hours after birth, and sells high to millionaires who are unable to have children of their own. When one of these infants dies just a few months after its sale, the new family is shocked by the tragedy. Only the newborn’s nurse recognizes the death as murder.
The nurse reaches out to Inspector Richard Queen, the recently retired father of the legendary amateur sleuth Ellery. Given that his son is out of town, the inspector leaps at a chance to solve this chilling mystery on his own—only to find himself falling head over heels for the baby’s caretaker.
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First published January 1, 1956
35 people are currently reading
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About the author
Ellery Queen
1,753 books479 followersaka Barnaby Ross.
(Pseudonym of Frederic Dannay and Manfred Bennington Lee)
"Ellery Queen" was a pen name created and shared by two cousins, Frederic Dannay (1905-1982) and Manfred B. Lee (1905-1971), as well as the name of their most famous detective. Born in Brooklyn, they spent forty two years writing, editing, and anthologizing under the name, gaining a reputation as the foremost American authors of the Golden Age "fair play" mystery.
Although eventually famous on television and radio, Queen's first appearance came in 1928 when the cousins won a mystery-writing contest with the book that would eventually be published as The Roman Hat Mystery. Their character was an amateur detective who used his spare time to assist his police inspector father in solving baffling crimes. Besides writing the Queen novels, Dannay and Lee cofounded Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, one of the most influential crime publications of all time. Although Dannay outlived his cousin by nine years, he retired Queen upon Lee's death.
Several of the later "Ellery Queen" books were written by other authors, including Jack Vance, Avram Davidson, and Theodore Sturgeon.
(Pseudonym of Frederic Dannay and Manfred Bennington Lee)
"Ellery Queen" was a pen name created and shared by two cousins, Frederic Dannay (1905-1982) and Manfred B. Lee (1905-1971), as well as the name of their most famous detective. Born in Brooklyn, they spent forty two years writing, editing, and anthologizing under the name, gaining a reputation as the foremost American authors of the Golden Age "fair play" mystery.
Although eventually famous on television and radio, Queen's first appearance came in 1928 when the cousins won a mystery-writing contest with the book that would eventually be published as The Roman Hat Mystery. Their character was an amateur detective who used his spare time to assist his police inspector father in solving baffling crimes. Besides writing the Queen novels, Dannay and Lee cofounded Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, one of the most influential crime publications of all time. Although Dannay outlived his cousin by nine years, he retired Queen upon Lee's death.
Several of the later "Ellery Queen" books were written by other authors, including Jack Vance, Avram Davidson, and Theodore Sturgeon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 19, 2019
COUNTDOWN: Mid-20th Century North American Crime
BOOK 196 (of 250)
HOOK=2 stars: A baby is taken from a hospital by a mother and handed to a family, all in broad daylight. Is this a crime or a legal adoption or a kidnapping of a baby? If this had not been an Ellery Queen novel, I would have stopped right there: babies/children in danger isn't my thing.
PACE=2: A developing love interest takes much too long. This might have been better as a novella.
PLOT=3: There are 3 murders along the way. All rather bland.
PEOPLE=3: Richard Queen, 63 years old and retired is traveling (without his son) in Europe and is interesting alone, as is Jessie, a nurse. But most memorable is the mother of the baby who sadly had the wherewithal to raise the baby but she is single: society at the time did not allow for that. Times have changed!
ATMOSPHERE=3: There's an island for the rich (desperate for privacy) opposed to bachelor and bachelorette apartments, plus cozy cottages. But with all this, the denouement occurs in a much-too-lengthy basement scene: one supposes the author's point is that deep in the dark are answers to be found, but we often don't want to go there.
SUMMARY: My rating is 2.6. I've read far better novels by Ellery Queen. Perhaps I've read the best already.
BOOK 196 (of 250)
HOOK=2 stars: A baby is taken from a hospital by a mother and handed to a family, all in broad daylight. Is this a crime or a legal adoption or a kidnapping of a baby? If this had not been an Ellery Queen novel, I would have stopped right there: babies/children in danger isn't my thing.
PACE=2: A developing love interest takes much too long. This might have been better as a novella.
PLOT=3: There are 3 murders along the way. All rather bland.
PEOPLE=3: Richard Queen, 63 years old and retired is traveling (without his son) in Europe and is interesting alone, as is Jessie, a nurse. But most memorable is the mother of the baby who sadly had the wherewithal to raise the baby but she is single: society at the time did not allow for that. Times have changed!
ATMOSPHERE=3: There's an island for the rich (desperate for privacy) opposed to bachelor and bachelorette apartments, plus cozy cottages. But with all this, the denouement occurs in a much-too-lengthy basement scene: one supposes the author's point is that deep in the dark are answers to be found, but we often don't want to go there.
SUMMARY: My rating is 2.6. I've read far better novels by Ellery Queen. Perhaps I've read the best already.
July 12, 2018
I really enjoyed this. Ellery is on holiday and Richard Queen is feeling lost, retired and on holiday with friends he feels alone and without purpose. However, he meets Jessie, a nurse and soon the two of them are investigating the death of a baby.
I loved the writing in this, it really captures the sense of loss a retiree often experiences and the plot moves along well.
I loved the writing in this, it really captures the sense of loss a retiree often experiences and the plot moves along well.
August 25, 2018
Besides the story line, there are two other big themes lurking here. First, the murder of a baby - and children in general - has long been off-limits for mystery writers - but in 1956 that was still happening, so we must overlook the revulsion factor. Second, the theme of persons being seen as outdated and useless to society as they age is ever present in Richard Queen's thoughts; as he considers being pushed out of his organization to make room for younger ones; and collects up his other retired buddies to operate a sub-rosa investigation.
This novel shows the turning point in writing away from the Golden Age [loosely defined as between WWI and WWII] style, and into the gritty too-much-detail 1960's style. The Golden Age never discusses things like the appearance of bullet holes, or menstruation! This is what attracts me to the writing of the Golden Age.
The case progresses and is somewhat predictable, with the obvious suspect being eliminated at the last minute. The steady progression of the Queen/Sherwood relationship is handled well and leads to a satisfying conclusion.
This novel shows the turning point in writing away from the Golden Age [loosely defined as between WWI and WWII] style, and into the gritty too-much-detail 1960's style. The Golden Age never discusses things like the appearance of bullet holes, or menstruation! This is what attracts me to the writing of the Golden Age.
The case progresses and is somewhat predictable, with the obvious suspect being eliminated at the last minute. The steady progression of the Queen/Sherwood relationship is handled well and leads to a satisfying conclusion.
February 13, 2019
I would like to like this, but I'm afraid that this was so very, for lack of a better word, domestic. Because the characters are enjoyable--Inspector Queen is a fun man, Jessie is a smart woman, the writing is generally good. And there's enough investigation to scratch some of the itch.
But...at some point, it seemed like the creeping around would never end. I wanted more to happen. This story is, honestly, more of a reminder why I don't hear about the Ellery Queen books as frequently as Poirot, or Lord Peter.
At the same time, it's not bad--and if you don't mind a more person-focused story, it's quite good. I think enjoyment of this one, more than other classic mysteries (but similar to other Ellery Queen books, TBH) is extremely personal--if someone says "I like mysteries" or "I love classic detective fiction," I might not jump straight to Queen at all, much less this one, but for someone who has enjoyed other Queen books, they'll likely enjoy this one.
But...at some point, it seemed like the creeping around would never end. I wanted more to happen. This story is, honestly, more of a reminder why I don't hear about the Ellery Queen books as frequently as Poirot, or Lord Peter.
At the same time, it's not bad--and if you don't mind a more person-focused story, it's quite good. I think enjoyment of this one, more than other classic mysteries (but similar to other Ellery Queen books, TBH) is extremely personal--if someone says "I like mysteries" or "I love classic detective fiction," I might not jump straight to Queen at all, much less this one, but for someone who has enjoyed other Queen books, they'll likely enjoy this one.
October 28, 2018
This was one of the most fun reads I did all year. It is part of my project to read all the EQ mysteries in order (those written by the cousins, at least), but this one was an unexpected surprise. And it didn't even have Ellery in it once! The story of Inspector Queen being retired, but pulled into a case at his summer retreat reminded me of the best of Poirot stories in structure. The mystery had enough twists to really interest me (while still living up to the EQ tradition of a "fair play" mystery). And I enjoyed seeing the previously unflappable Inspector Queen face uncertainty and doubt once he was retired (by legal age requirement) from the NYPD he had served all his life.
The mystery solutions -- and like most EQ novels, there are several discoveries that change the mystery across the course of the novel -- were almost always a surprise to me. But always a surprise I thought I should have figured out before I got to them. That may be the epitome of what draws me to the EQ mysteries.
The potential romance between Inspector Queen and Nurse Jessie Sherwood was done well enough, and tied well to the sense of "what does my life mean when everything is changing" that seemed to be the book's theme for every character. I don't read EQ for romance, but this worked as part of the story and theme. Reminded me of the introduction of Nikki Porter in There Was an Old Woman, which I remember being done very well.
Most critics feel that by the 1950s, these novels represent the more sophisticated late period of EQ stories. I do think the story-telling and characters are more satisfying that the earlier puzzle stories, but they still retain the amazing ability to give me a sense of time and place that the cousins are always good about. For novels written over a 40-year period, each novel seems to be set in a very year-specific now (even if Ellery and Inspector Queen never seem to age, at least until this book).
There are a few strange things in the writing. The perspective seems to change several times, sometimes purely from an omniscient observer, sometimes from Inspector Queen's viewpoint but third party narration, and sometimes purely from Jessie Sherwood's internal narration. Given the skill the cousins had by this time, I think this was deliberate, not sloppiness. For me it worked.
The mystery solutions -- and like most EQ novels, there are several discoveries that change the mystery across the course of the novel -- were almost always a surprise to me. But always a surprise I thought I should have figured out before I got to them. That may be the epitome of what draws me to the EQ mysteries.
The potential romance between Inspector Queen and Nurse Jessie Sherwood was done well enough, and tied well to the sense of "what does my life mean when everything is changing" that seemed to be the book's theme for every character. I don't read EQ for romance, but this worked as part of the story and theme. Reminded me of the introduction of Nikki Porter in There Was an Old Woman, which I remember being done very well.
Most critics feel that by the 1950s, these novels represent the more sophisticated late period of EQ stories. I do think the story-telling and characters are more satisfying that the earlier puzzle stories, but they still retain the amazing ability to give me a sense of time and place that the cousins are always good about. For novels written over a 40-year period, each novel seems to be set in a very year-specific now (even if Ellery and Inspector Queen never seem to age, at least until this book).
There are a few strange things in the writing. The perspective seems to change several times, sometimes purely from an omniscient observer, sometimes from Inspector Queen's viewpoint but third party narration, and sometimes purely from Jessie Sherwood's internal narration. Given the skill the cousins had by this time, I think this was deliberate, not sloppiness. For me it worked.
February 10, 2018
This book sat on my pending pile for a while - a mystery starring Inspector Queen just didn't seem as enthralling as one starring Ellery. But I'm glad I finally picked it up.
Retired, Inspector Queen is at loose ends. Visiting friends, he meets a nurse to the baby of one of the millionaires on a nearby island. When that baby mysteriously dies (our nurse friend cries murder), Inspector Queen predictably is hot on the trail, even if he is out of his precinct and out of a job.
The cousins did a great job of telling this story from the police inspector's point of view, shifting their style from the usual 90% Ellery Queen story. The Inspector, with Nurse Jessie by his side for her safety (and for other interests), investigated this mystery as if he was still on the police force - and managed the case just as he does when usually in the background of the Ellery Queen mysteries: identifying the most suspicious / prime candidate, using his (fellow retired) police force resources to wear that candidate down and keep his evidence safe, and (here's where Ellery usually comes in) ultimately determining the real criminal.
Except in this case, Ellery never appears - he's off traveling in Europe. So the inspector is left to his own devices, and has to figure out who the perpetrator is all by himself, and what to do with his nurse friend. Great story, and not without a few twists.
Retired, Inspector Queen is at loose ends. Visiting friends, he meets a nurse to the baby of one of the millionaires on a nearby island. When that baby mysteriously dies (our nurse friend cries murder), Inspector Queen predictably is hot on the trail, even if he is out of his precinct and out of a job.
The cousins did a great job of telling this story from the police inspector's point of view, shifting their style from the usual 90% Ellery Queen story. The Inspector, with Nurse Jessie by his side for her safety (and for other interests), investigated this mystery as if he was still on the police force - and managed the case just as he does when usually in the background of the Ellery Queen mysteries: identifying the most suspicious / prime candidate, using his (fellow retired) police force resources to wear that candidate down and keep his evidence safe, and (here's where Ellery usually comes in) ultimately determining the real criminal.
Except in this case, Ellery never appears - he's off traveling in Europe. So the inspector is left to his own devices, and has to figure out who the perpetrator is all by himself, and what to do with his nurse friend. Great story, and not without a few twists.
June 11, 2024
What began as an interesting case became a trial of my patience- one that had me crying "Where's Ellery when you need him?"
I'd always been curious to know more about Inspector Queen; his background, what he did on his days off, etc. But then I realized why he was never the focus of a novel: too bland, humorless, and by-the-book.
And yet, I was willing to give this book a try. After all, how bad could it be?
Maybe if he'd still been on the force. Or if Ellery were there, at least in the background. But no. Instead, we get a lame love story that either never goes far enough, or too far- in the wrong direction.
Sure, the millionaire couple is interesting. The initial murder a shocker; but when that does occur, it seems too much for the author(s) to handle.
And then there's that damned love story- one replete with cliched conversations, corny situations, not to mention Queen's incessant overprotection of Jessie and his condescending attitude toward her. I soon came to dislike the romance so much that I found myself skipping sentences, then paragraphs, then pages. And soon I was at the end, having figured out long before who the killer was.
My only favorable comment about the book is that it will make Ellery's cases seem much more fun to read. This story sucked...
I'd always been curious to know more about Inspector Queen; his background, what he did on his days off, etc. But then I realized why he was never the focus of a novel: too bland, humorless, and by-the-book.
And yet, I was willing to give this book a try. After all, how bad could it be?
Maybe if he'd still been on the force. Or if Ellery were there, at least in the background. But no. Instead, we get a lame love story that either never goes far enough, or too far- in the wrong direction.
Sure, the millionaire couple is interesting. The initial murder a shocker; but when that does occur, it seems too much for the author(s) to handle.
And then there's that damned love story- one replete with cliched conversations, corny situations, not to mention Queen's incessant overprotection of Jessie and his condescending attitude toward her. I soon came to dislike the romance so much that I found myself skipping sentences, then paragraphs, then pages. And soon I was at the end, having figured out long before who the killer was.
My only favorable comment about the book is that it will make Ellery's cases seem much more fun to read. This story sucked...
August 12, 2025
A good story, but the reader is subjected to a somewhat nauseating romantic subplot between elderly Richard and Jessie. One star added for the uniqueness of the murder victim; to my knowledge it hasn't been done before or since.
In my opinion it is quite obvious that this book was partially ghost-written by Talmage Powell. His trademark dialog style (where the speaker frequently mentions the name of the person to whom he is speaking) is evident throughout. It is annoying enough to have taken off one star, but I didn't. See my review of the "fake" Ellery Queen story, Beware the Young Stranger by Talmage Powell at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The story is saved by the Nathan/Lepofsky outline/editing, possibly weeding out some of Powell's "Richard"s and "Jessie"s.
The ghostwriters seemed to have signed contracts to never reveal that they actually wrote under the name of Ellery Queen.
In my opinion it is quite obvious that this book was partially ghost-written by Talmage Powell. His trademark dialog style (where the speaker frequently mentions the name of the person to whom he is speaking) is evident throughout. It is annoying enough to have taken off one star, but I didn't. See my review of the "fake" Ellery Queen story, Beware the Young Stranger by Talmage Powell at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The story is saved by the Nathan/Lepofsky outline/editing, possibly weeding out some of Powell's "Richard"s and "Jessie"s.
The ghostwriters seemed to have signed contracts to never reveal that they actually wrote under the name of Ellery Queen.
May 11, 2022
While I started reading the Ellery Queen series expecting something like an Agatha Christie novel where I would have a murder with a series of suspects, this one ended up being much like a Law & Order episode where there's some investigative and criminal procedures and it's pretty hard to figure out with what's given. But that's ok, because there was an interestig case of characters. It's also interesting that this was the second novel I read (based on its shortness in an Ellery Queen 5-book collection, after And on the Eighth Day) as this follows Ellery's father. The love story while hinting out awareness of the promiscuous appearances was appealing andthe speed of the plot was just right. This one comes together and really leaves its mark.
September 23, 2017
Inspector Queen (Ellery's father) has retired and is not happy about it. While visiting friends, he becomes involved in the possible murder of an infant. The baby's nurse, Jessie, appeals to him for help and they form a partnership to investigate the case.
This is my favorite Ellery Queen mystery, despite Ellery not appearing in it at all. Richard Queen has a wonderful personality, and Jessie was a delight as well. The mystery was engaging and the writing good. Overall, it's an excellent book and just barely falls short of 5 stars.
This is my favorite Ellery Queen mystery, despite Ellery not appearing in it at all. Richard Queen has a wonderful personality, and Jessie was a delight as well. The mystery was engaging and the writing good. Overall, it's an excellent book and just barely falls short of 5 stars.
August 5, 2018
Now retired, Inspector Queen is finding life to be a bit boring. He's visiting some friends when he gets stranded on the beach of a millionaire's island. The man's newborn son has a nurse who helps the Inspector out (and maybe even flirts a bit with him.) When the child the nurse is watching gets murdered, the Inspector gets pulled into a mystery involving an illicitly adopted baby, a series of murders, and a touch of romance.
I missed Ellery but was glad that the Inspector finally got to show that he is a competent investigator in his own right.
I missed Ellery but was glad that the Inspector finally got to show that he is a competent investigator in his own right.
September 8, 2022
Gifted from an old friend and discovered it had been bought in my local library years ago when she was up here on holiday when we were students, so it seems this old thing has come home!
No sign of Ellery himself in this outing, the focus is on newly retired Inspector Richard 'Dick' Queen and his involvement in the mysterious death of a baby, a publicity avoiding millionaire and a certain nurse who has caught his eye.
Engaging and entertaining, a nice reintroduction to a former favourite.
No sign of Ellery himself in this outing, the focus is on newly retired Inspector Richard 'Dick' Queen and his involvement in the mysterious death of a baby, a publicity avoiding millionaire and a certain nurse who has caught his eye.
Engaging and entertaining, a nice reintroduction to a former favourite.
December 27, 2018
3.5 stars. I think this was a good book and story, but it was written in 1957 and some "old" ideas came through (sexism type things) not a lot but every now and then. I like a good cozy mystery right before I read a really scary book, which Is one reason I read this. The other reason was because I was doing a spell out and this got me the "q" and the "i" I needed to finish... so bonus!
May 27, 2019
(This one isn't about Ellery, but about his father alone.)
Sometimes I give five stars to a book with a great story line, a surprise ending, or the bestowal of a high level of enjoyment/relaxation [meaning: takes your mind off of...fill in the blank]. This book falls in the latter category, along with a satisfying ending.
Sometimes I give five stars to a book with a great story line, a surprise ending, or the bestowal of a high level of enjoyment/relaxation [meaning: takes your mind off of...fill in the blank]. This book falls in the latter category, along with a satisfying ending.
December 5, 2017
Even though Ellery himself didn't make an appearance in this book, this was a terrific Queen mystery! The authors got the inner dialogue of Nurse Sherwood just right. The mystery was satisfying and the characterizations were superb. 4-1/2 stars!
February 17, 2021
Was the death an accident or was it an unforgivable murder?
Inspector Queen had been forced to retire and he doesn't like it one little bit! While vacationing on the sea shore, staying with friends he's drawn into a murder. Or is it?
Inspector Queen had been forced to retire and he doesn't like it one little bit! While vacationing on the sea shore, staying with friends he's drawn into a murder. Or is it?
June 10, 2023
I thought I'd miss Ellery more, but I feel like I haven't seen much of Richard Queen since the early books, so it's nice to get caught up with how he's been and see him work a case without Ellery from start to end. Also I love Jessie. I think she's very funny and very sweet.
April 20, 2024
A straight forward story of detection, with romance served up on the side. There are a number of technical issues with both the plot and the writing, but the action moves fast enough that one does not mind. The climax is satisfactory and the explanations plausible. A good read.
November 21, 2018
My first Ellery Queen case, very enjoyable. I will do more, a great discovery at the Penn State book sale
July 15, 2022
Actually 3 and a half rating, having Richard instead of Ellery Queen as the main character was a nice change. The story was pretty good but mostly predictable.
February 4, 2016
This was definitely a different Queen story.
Inspector Queen has been retired by the police force but he can't stop investigating. While on vacation he is drawn into the mysterious death of a two month old baby of a Boston Brahmin family. He also becomes acquainted with the baby's nurse, who claims it is murder and not accidental death.
No longer having the NYPD forces available to assist in the solution of this mystery, he calls up some of his buddies that are also retired from the force. They may be retired but they are still able to investigate and still have their old contacts for information.
The threads to this mystery are tight and the ends hard to unravel, but Inspector Queen keeps at it with the help of his team and the lovely nurse he has become attracted to. The solution is not without many twists and turns and the outcome is a shocker.
Inspector Queen has been retired by the police force but he can't stop investigating. While on vacation he is drawn into the mysterious death of a two month old baby of a Boston Brahmin family. He also becomes acquainted with the baby's nurse, who claims it is murder and not accidental death.
No longer having the NYPD forces available to assist in the solution of this mystery, he calls up some of his buddies that are also retired from the force. They may be retired but they are still able to investigate and still have their old contacts for information.
The threads to this mystery are tight and the ends hard to unravel, but Inspector Queen keeps at it with the help of his team and the lovely nurse he has become attracted to. The solution is not without many twists and turns and the outcome is a shocker.
July 31, 2025
This mystery novel does not feature the character of Ellery Queen but rather his father Richard Queen, a retired NYC police detective. The plot involves the murder of an adopted baby and several subsequent killings.
The prose was smooth and felt relatively modern for a book from 1956.
This was a very fun read. Towards the ending there is a detail regarding a piece of evidence that feels like a very simple thing that should have been discovered earlier but it's not a huge detriment to the story. Overall a fun, crisp read with plenty of mystery, action and even a romance for the elderly (for the times anyway) detective Queen.
The prose was smooth and felt relatively modern for a book from 1956.
This was a very fun read. Towards the ending there is a detail regarding a piece of evidence that feels like a very simple thing that should have been discovered earlier but it's not a huge detriment to the story. Overall a fun, crisp read with plenty of mystery, action and even a romance for the elderly (for the times anyway) detective Queen.
August 23, 2010
I had heard of Ellery Queen -- the name of the detective character in all his books, as well as the purported author -- but had never read any of his novels until last summer. This was the second I read, featuring the fictional Ellery's father: a police inspector who is feeling useless after his retirement. This novel features just what he needs to perk him up: a long-unsolved kidnapping and murder mystery as well as a handsome middle-aged nurse.
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August 13, 2010the ending wasn't as good as i thought it would have been, left me with a dead buzz from the fast pace of the plot. everything is good for over half the book but after that things get a bit blan
don't get me wrong it's still a good book and i would read it again, but it just could have ended better. the romance is sweet if you like that kind of thing, not too much and doesn't over do it
don't get me wrong it's still a good book and i would read it again, but it just could have ended better. the romance is sweet if you like that kind of thing, not too much and doesn't over do it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2011
"The murder weapon was a white lace pillow soiled by the mark of a grey, dirty hand. The victim was a soft, gurgling baby. The trail led Inspector Queen to a vicious racket that preyed on unwed mothers and to a deadly encounter with a desperate killer."
~~back cover
A nice, gentle mystery -- an American cozy, in fact.
~~back cover
A nice, gentle mystery -- an American cozy, in fact.
July 22, 2009
Featuring Ellery's father.
May 15, 2023
Well done.
March 7, 2011
( Um Caso do Inspector Queen )
January 27, 2013
Inspector Queen has retired and is feeling at loose ends. Fortunately people find a way to give him a case to fill his time.
Not my very favorite, but a nice story.
Not my very favorite, but a nice story.
February 6, 2015
This is my favourite Ellery Queen novel even though he isn't in it. I read it every few decades when I've forgotten most of the details. Police procedures seem to have changed since the 50s.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews