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The Misadventures of Ellery Queen
For generations, the name “Ellery Queen” has been synonymous with the finest in mystery fiction. When cousins Frederic Dannay (1905–1982) and Manfred Lee (1905–1971) created the iconic character and byline in 1929, they had no idea how influential he (and they) would become. Books, movies, television programs, and radio shows have firmly rooted their characters in the public consciousness. To this day, their work remains among the best examples of “fair play” mystery fiction. Their fans -- including such luminaries as Stephen King, Agatha Christie, and Anthony Boucher -- are legion.
This volume assembles 16 stories by a wide variety of authors, all written (sometimes tongue-in-cheek) as homages to, and parodies and pastiches of, the character -- and writing team -- known as "Ellery Queen."
Included are:
INTRODUCTION: Elementary Questions, by Josh Pachter and Dale C. Andrews
INTRODUCTION: Sorely Missed Adventures, by Richard Dannay
INTRODUCTION: The Sincerest Form of Flattery, by Rand Lee
THE MYSTERY OF THE RED BALLOONS, by Thomas Narcejac
DYING MESSAGE, by Leyne Requel
THE GILBERT AND SULLIVAN CLUE, by Jon L. Breen
OPEN LETTER TO SURVIVORS, by Francis M. Nevins
THE REINDEER CLUE, by Edward D. Hoch
THE BOOK CASE, by Dale C. Andrews and Kurt Sercu
TEN MONTHS' BLUNDER, by J.N. Williamson
THE ENGLISH VILLAGE MYSTERY, by Arthur Porges
ELROY QUINN’S LAST CASE, by Dennis M. Dubin
THE NORWEGIAN APPLE MYSTERY, by James Holding
THE MAN WHO READ ELLERY QUEEN, by William Brittain
E.Q. GRIFFEN EARNS HIS NAME, by Josh Pachter
THE LAST CHECK, by Patricia McGerr
THE DEATH OF THE MALLORY QUEEN, by Lawrence Block
THE RANSOM OF EQMM #1, by Arthur Vidro
THE TEN-CENT MURDER, by Joseph Goodrich
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2018
35 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Josh Pachter
116 books28 followersJOSH PACHTER is a writer, editor and translator. More than a hundred and twenty of his short crime stories have appeared in EQMM, AHMM, and many other periodicals, anthologies, and year’s-best collections. THE TREE OF LIFE (Wildside Press, 2015) collected all ten of his Mahboob Chaudri stories. His 2023 novel DUTCH THREAT was named a finalist for the Agatha, Lefty, and Macavity awards. FIRST WEEK FREE AT THE ROOMY TOILET, his first chapter book for younger readers, was published in 2024 and was a finalist for the Agatha Award in the Best Childrens/YA Mystery category.
He is the editor of many anthologies, including:
• FRIEND OF THE DEVIL: CRIME FICTION INSPIRED BY THE SONGS OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD (Down and Out, 2024)
• HAPPINESS IS A WARM GUN: CRIME FICTION INSPIRED BY THE SONGS OF THE BEATLES (Down and Out, 2023)
• THE BEAT OF BLACK WINGS: CRIME FICTION INSPIRED BY THE SONGS OF JONI MITCHELL (Untreed Reads, 2020)
• THE MISADVENTURES OF NERO WOLFE (Mysterious Press, 2020)
• THE MAN WHO READ MYSTERIES: THE SHORT FICTION OF WILLIAM BRITTAIN (Crippen & Landru, 2018)
• THE MAN WHO SOLVED MYSTERIES: MORE SHORT FICTION BY WILLIAM BRITTAIN (Crippen & Landru, 2022)
• PARANOIA BLUES: CRIME FICTION INSPIRED BY THE SONGS OF PAUL SIMON (Down and Out Books, 2022).
He also co-edited AMSTERDAM NOIR (Akashic Books, 2019), THE MISADVENTURES OF ELLERY QUEEN (Wildside Press, 2018), AND THE FURTHER MISADVENTURES OF ELLERY QUEEN (Wildside Press, 2020), and co-wrote (with the legendary Ellery Queen) THE ADVENTURES OF THE PUZZLE CLUB (Crippen & Landru, 2022).
Coming in 2025:
• EVERY DAY A LITTLE DEATH: CRIME FICTION INSPIRED BY THE SONGS OF STEPHEN SONDHEIM (Level Best)
• CRYIN' SHAME: CRIME FICTION INSPIRED BY THE SONGS OF LYLE LOVETT (Down and Out)
He is the editor of many anthologies, including:
• FRIEND OF THE DEVIL: CRIME FICTION INSPIRED BY THE SONGS OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD (Down and Out, 2024)
• HAPPINESS IS A WARM GUN: CRIME FICTION INSPIRED BY THE SONGS OF THE BEATLES (Down and Out, 2023)
• THE BEAT OF BLACK WINGS: CRIME FICTION INSPIRED BY THE SONGS OF JONI MITCHELL (Untreed Reads, 2020)
• THE MISADVENTURES OF NERO WOLFE (Mysterious Press, 2020)
• THE MAN WHO READ MYSTERIES: THE SHORT FICTION OF WILLIAM BRITTAIN (Crippen & Landru, 2018)
• THE MAN WHO SOLVED MYSTERIES: MORE SHORT FICTION BY WILLIAM BRITTAIN (Crippen & Landru, 2022)
• PARANOIA BLUES: CRIME FICTION INSPIRED BY THE SONGS OF PAUL SIMON (Down and Out Books, 2022).
He also co-edited AMSTERDAM NOIR (Akashic Books, 2019), THE MISADVENTURES OF ELLERY QUEEN (Wildside Press, 2018), AND THE FURTHER MISADVENTURES OF ELLERY QUEEN (Wildside Press, 2020), and co-wrote (with the legendary Ellery Queen) THE ADVENTURES OF THE PUZZLE CLUB (Crippen & Landru, 2022).
Coming in 2025:
• EVERY DAY A LITTLE DEATH: CRIME FICTION INSPIRED BY THE SONGS OF STEPHEN SONDHEIM (Level Best)
• CRYIN' SHAME: CRIME FICTION INSPIRED BY THE SONGS OF LYLE LOVETT (Down and Out)
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 11, 2023
Josh Pachter and Dale C. Andrews have put together an entertaining and intriguing anthology for Ellery Queen fans, brought to you by Wildside Press. As with any anthology, some offerings are stronger than others, but none of the mysteries here completely missed the mark. The dying clue is, of course, one of the main tropes in this homage to the Ellery Queen puzzles, and there are some really fine examples of it in this book. Suffice to say, if you're a fan of the original adventures, you'll want to sit back and try your hand at solving the misadventures.
May 12, 2018
Make room. Wildside’s new anthology is both an instant classic, and an instant pleasure to peruse. There is mystery history here. In 1929, writing cousins Frederic Dannay (1905–1982) and Manfred Lee (1905–1971) created Ellery Queen as both character and author. In 1944, Ellery Queen (the writer) edited and published a collection called The Misadventures of Sherlock Holmes. Apparently, Arthur Conan Doyle was not amused with other writers’ emulations of his famous detective, and the volume soon made itself scarce. Mystery fans, however, enjoy reading both a pastiche or a parody based on their favorite series, and the first of many such stories inspired by Ellery Queen (the character) began to appear as early as 1947.
Not long after Manfred Lee’s death, Josh Pachter suggested to Frederic Dannay it might be time for a collection of such stories, fittingly titled The Misadventures of Ellery Queen. Dannay agreed, but the concept languished for reasons lost to history. That is, until 2015, when Pachter met co-editor Dale C. Andrews, and together they brought the idea to life in a collection of 16 stories. After the Pachter/Andrews’ introduction, and two others by Richard Dannay (Fredric’s son) and Rand Lee (Manfred’s son); the volume is divided into three sections: (6) pastiches, (3) parodies, and (7) potpourri—basically stories inspired by Queen but not featuring him.
Thomas Narcejac is credited with writing the first Queen pastiche in 1947. However, it was written in French, and appears for the first time in English here, thanks to Rebecca K. Jones’ translation. “The Mystery of the Red Balloons” is a classic Ellery Queen whodunit and gives the collection a pitch-perfect start. A series of murders plague New York City, with no discernible connection between the crimes, save the presence of a single red balloon tied outside each victim’s environs. When Queen ascertains the solution he broaches the third wall and issues a “challenge to the reader” to solve the mystery before he reveals its solution.
First published in the July 1966 edition of EQMM, Leyne Requel’s “Dying Message” is a playful romp. A murder sprawls its victim in a lakeside hunting lodge while the victim scrawls a clue to his murderer’s identity in an unfinished message. Things look dire for the obvious suspect as the clues mount in his direction. Fortunately, there is a simple, but crafty key that clears the innocent and reveals the real killer by the story’s end. In this case, the “challenge to the reader” caps the finale.
Jon L. Breen’s “The Gilbert and Sullivan Clue” first appeared in the double-issue of EQMM Sep/Oct in 1999. After a wildly successful comedy duo splits, Ozzie Foyle’s career as a solo takes off, while his old partner Joey Dugan’s tanks. A murder takes place on the cruise ship where Foyle is headlining and Ellery Queen is onboard courtesy of Foyle’s agent. The mystery requires nearly a dozen characters, which in turn requires four pages to introduce and define their relationships. Even with Breen’s efficient prose, the story ramps slowly. Fortunately, once the setup’s complete, the pace quickens and the plot thickens quite nicely.
The background notes by Francis M. Nevins that bookend his “Open Letter to Survivors,” first presented in EQMM May, 1972, only embellish an already excellent pastiche. Formidable and wealthy, Adelina Monquieux (pronounced Mon-Q) is mother to adopted sons Xavier, Yves, and Zachary—identical triplets. That is, until she’s found murdered shortly after her introduction to an unnamed eloquent, quick-witted sleuth. Her will stipulates her secret memoir must remain unread, locked in her safe for 24 years after her demise, lest her fortune go south rather than Far East, for the children of war-torn Japan. Needless to say, the murderous perp is thrice clever and only the extraordinarily quick mind of the detective is able to follow the letter of the lawless.
The original appearance of “The Reindeer Clue,” was in 1975, in The National Enquirer. Who knew they ran fiction? The story, attributed to Ellery Queen, could not be a pastiche—unless it was actually written by someone else—and it was: Edward D. Hoch, an EQ pseudonym surrogate.
Casey Sturgess, ex-journalist suspected of using his investigatory skills to dig up dirt for blackmail is found dead in the reindeer pen of a children’s zoo. No pressure, but the holidays are here, and a herd of children are due for a visit with Rudolph any minute. Fortunately, Ellery Queen, who arrived earlier, quickly identifies three prime suspects. Readers receive their challenge, their reindeer clue, and their chance to best the legendary detective. Good luck! “The Reindeer Clue” is a light-hearted holiday-themed treat.
The final pastiche, “The Book Case” by Dale C. Andrews and Kurt Sercu, is a highlight of the anthology. It’s long enough to unfold in three parts, but so well constructed and delivered I couldn’t help wishing there were more. The story first appeared in EQMM’s Department of First Stories in May 2007 and garnered second place in that year’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
An older Ellery Queen is drawn out of retirement by Detective Harry Burke, whom he met in the novel Face to Face in 1967. Dr. Jason Tenumbra and his partner Dr. Quinn Djuna are both found dead within a few miles and hours of each other. Burke’s partner quickly assesses the evidence and concludes Djuna murdered Tenumbra and then took his own life. Burke isn’t as certain. Tenumbra’s collection of first editions line the bookcase behind his desk. Why were all the books written by Ellery Queen pulled from the self and dumped on the floor of the murder scene? Thankfully, when Ellery Queen arrives and allows all of the clues to steep, his conclusion unerringly points to one of three women, each with a powerful motive to wish the lecherous Tenumbra was dead.
Pachter and Andrews wisely keep the parody section to three stories. They’re short, fun, and funny; but a little goes a long way, so three is just right.
Originally presented in EQMM (May 1961) J.N. Williamson’s “Ten Months’ Blunder” features Celery Keen, who solves the murder of a pawnshop owner swiftly, smugly, and questionably in four pages. But is the pompous Celery really as keen as his namesake?
Arthur Porges wrote two Queen parodies. His first, “The English Village Mystery” from EQMM (Dec. 1964), is reprinted here. His Celery Green is called into a case too baffling for authorities East, North, and South. A dozen residents of tiny Tottering-on-the-Brink are dead; which leaves only three remaining citizens. Can Celery thicken the plot before “on” becomes “over” the brink?
Like co-editor Pachter, Dennis M. Dubin placed his first published story while still in high school—in EQMM (July 1967). However, unlike the former, Dubin’s story, “Elroy Quinn’s Last Case” was prophetic, as it seems to be the author’s last mystery as well. I can see why it concludes the parody section, yet its madcap elements balance nicely with its drama and provide a smooth transition to the collection’s final section.
As the story opens, Elroy Quinn already long retired, is coaxed into action by Inspector Thomas Velie, who explains, “the king of Ubinorabia arrived here two days ago to begin talks on the huge oil deposit recently discovered in his country.” It’s large enough to incent dialog between East and West, but only the king supports it. His heir does not. One of the king’s bodyguards is dead, a victim of mistaken identity—meaning the monarch himself is marked for murder. Who wants him dead? The clues only deepen the mystery: “…a gladiator’s helmet and pair of cats, one with a plethora of tails.” Baffling to Velie and most mortals, but Quinn’s cogitations overcome all obstacles and justice, is at last, laid to rest.
The anthology’s third section, Potpourri—stories inspired by Queen—opens with “The Norwegian Apple Mystery” by James Holding. It first appeared in EQMM Nov. 1960.
Two mystery-writer partners, vacationing on a cruise ship, are intrigued by the death of one of their fellow passengers, who choked to death on an apple while reading in bed, alone. The event sparks their collective curiosity, and once they begin speculating that it was not an accident, they soon find themselves creating a plausible plot for murder. A highly entertaining lesson in how to create a murder mystery.
Ancient Arthur Mindy is “The Man Who Read Ellery Queen” in William Brittain’s fictional world of the Goodwell Senior Citizen Home, first printed in EQMM in Dec. 1965. Mindy’s prize possession is a complete set of books by Queen, and at the top of his bucket list is the chance to solve a mystery in the manner of the great detective. He sees his opportunity when the prize possession of another senior suddenly goes missing. It’s schmaltzy, but somehow Brittain keeps a low-key mystery vibrant and feel-good ending feeling good.
Remarkably, co-editor Josh Pachter was in high school when his first story appeared in EQMM Dec. 1968. In “E.Q. Griffen Earns His Name” a sixteen-year-old detective tackles two mysteries. The first involves a robbery, a baffling case in which his father, Inspector Ross Griffen, explains all the details. His son, E.Q., listens intently and pulls out the solution, thus “earning his name.” The second mystery is also a robbery, and its solution also lies in the details, but maybe not the ones even a clever detective might think.
Stephen Coleman is rich, frugal, and able to learn from his mistakes. Like setting up a joint checking account with his wife. A mistake he’s careful not to repeat with wife number two. In “The Last Check” by Patricia McGerr (originally from EQMM March 1972), Coleman leaves a signature on a blank check as his dying message. It could be a clue to his murderer’s identity if only Captain Rogan can sleuth out its meaning.
Grand Master Lawrence Block provides “The Death of Mallory Queen,” which first appeared in Futures Mystery Jan/Feb 2006. Publisher Mavis Mallory urges Leo Haig, a detective second only to Nero Wolfe, and his assistant Chip Harrison, to save her from what she firmly believes is her impending murder. When and where? At the upcoming twenty-fifth anniversary celebration of Mallory’s Mystery Magazine. Who and how? She provides an impressive list of frienemies; all with good reason to want her dead. And it’s no surprise when she dies, but the fun here is in both the telling and the solution to the crime. Block’s tale is witty, light, and highly entertaining.
Arthur Vidro’s tale “The Ransom of EQMM #1” leverages a bit of “The World’s Best Selling Mystery Magazine” history to build a case that should delight collectors and engage readers who enjoy a good puzzle. The story first appeared on the Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine’s website to help celebrate their 70th anniversary in 2011.
Joseph Goodrich’s “The Ten-Cent Murder,” from EQMM Aug. 2016, brings the collection to a satisfying close. Queen’s methods and his trio of leading suspects are strongly in evidence in this murder mystery presided over by a fictitious Dash Hammett and Fred Dannay. The dialog between the two famed writers alone is worth the price of admission.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the Ellery Queen character or magazine, The Misadventures of Ellery Queen is a terrific collection, long overdue.
Not long after Manfred Lee’s death, Josh Pachter suggested to Frederic Dannay it might be time for a collection of such stories, fittingly titled The Misadventures of Ellery Queen. Dannay agreed, but the concept languished for reasons lost to history. That is, until 2015, when Pachter met co-editor Dale C. Andrews, and together they brought the idea to life in a collection of 16 stories. After the Pachter/Andrews’ introduction, and two others by Richard Dannay (Fredric’s son) and Rand Lee (Manfred’s son); the volume is divided into three sections: (6) pastiches, (3) parodies, and (7) potpourri—basically stories inspired by Queen but not featuring him.
Thomas Narcejac is credited with writing the first Queen pastiche in 1947. However, it was written in French, and appears for the first time in English here, thanks to Rebecca K. Jones’ translation. “The Mystery of the Red Balloons” is a classic Ellery Queen whodunit and gives the collection a pitch-perfect start. A series of murders plague New York City, with no discernible connection between the crimes, save the presence of a single red balloon tied outside each victim’s environs. When Queen ascertains the solution he broaches the third wall and issues a “challenge to the reader” to solve the mystery before he reveals its solution.
First published in the July 1966 edition of EQMM, Leyne Requel’s “Dying Message” is a playful romp. A murder sprawls its victim in a lakeside hunting lodge while the victim scrawls a clue to his murderer’s identity in an unfinished message. Things look dire for the obvious suspect as the clues mount in his direction. Fortunately, there is a simple, but crafty key that clears the innocent and reveals the real killer by the story’s end. In this case, the “challenge to the reader” caps the finale.
Jon L. Breen’s “The Gilbert and Sullivan Clue” first appeared in the double-issue of EQMM Sep/Oct in 1999. After a wildly successful comedy duo splits, Ozzie Foyle’s career as a solo takes off, while his old partner Joey Dugan’s tanks. A murder takes place on the cruise ship where Foyle is headlining and Ellery Queen is onboard courtesy of Foyle’s agent. The mystery requires nearly a dozen characters, which in turn requires four pages to introduce and define their relationships. Even with Breen’s efficient prose, the story ramps slowly. Fortunately, once the setup’s complete, the pace quickens and the plot thickens quite nicely.
The background notes by Francis M. Nevins that bookend his “Open Letter to Survivors,” first presented in EQMM May, 1972, only embellish an already excellent pastiche. Formidable and wealthy, Adelina Monquieux (pronounced Mon-Q) is mother to adopted sons Xavier, Yves, and Zachary—identical triplets. That is, until she’s found murdered shortly after her introduction to an unnamed eloquent, quick-witted sleuth. Her will stipulates her secret memoir must remain unread, locked in her safe for 24 years after her demise, lest her fortune go south rather than Far East, for the children of war-torn Japan. Needless to say, the murderous perp is thrice clever and only the extraordinarily quick mind of the detective is able to follow the letter of the lawless.
The original appearance of “The Reindeer Clue,” was in 1975, in The National Enquirer. Who knew they ran fiction? The story, attributed to Ellery Queen, could not be a pastiche—unless it was actually written by someone else—and it was: Edward D. Hoch, an EQ pseudonym surrogate.
Casey Sturgess, ex-journalist suspected of using his investigatory skills to dig up dirt for blackmail is found dead in the reindeer pen of a children’s zoo. No pressure, but the holidays are here, and a herd of children are due for a visit with Rudolph any minute. Fortunately, Ellery Queen, who arrived earlier, quickly identifies three prime suspects. Readers receive their challenge, their reindeer clue, and their chance to best the legendary detective. Good luck! “The Reindeer Clue” is a light-hearted holiday-themed treat.
The final pastiche, “The Book Case” by Dale C. Andrews and Kurt Sercu, is a highlight of the anthology. It’s long enough to unfold in three parts, but so well constructed and delivered I couldn’t help wishing there were more. The story first appeared in EQMM’s Department of First Stories in May 2007 and garnered second place in that year’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
An older Ellery Queen is drawn out of retirement by Detective Harry Burke, whom he met in the novel Face to Face in 1967. Dr. Jason Tenumbra and his partner Dr. Quinn Djuna are both found dead within a few miles and hours of each other. Burke’s partner quickly assesses the evidence and concludes Djuna murdered Tenumbra and then took his own life. Burke isn’t as certain. Tenumbra’s collection of first editions line the bookcase behind his desk. Why were all the books written by Ellery Queen pulled from the self and dumped on the floor of the murder scene? Thankfully, when Ellery Queen arrives and allows all of the clues to steep, his conclusion unerringly points to one of three women, each with a powerful motive to wish the lecherous Tenumbra was dead.
Pachter and Andrews wisely keep the parody section to three stories. They’re short, fun, and funny; but a little goes a long way, so three is just right.
Originally presented in EQMM (May 1961) J.N. Williamson’s “Ten Months’ Blunder” features Celery Keen, who solves the murder of a pawnshop owner swiftly, smugly, and questionably in four pages. But is the pompous Celery really as keen as his namesake?
Arthur Porges wrote two Queen parodies. His first, “The English Village Mystery” from EQMM (Dec. 1964), is reprinted here. His Celery Green is called into a case too baffling for authorities East, North, and South. A dozen residents of tiny Tottering-on-the-Brink are dead; which leaves only three remaining citizens. Can Celery thicken the plot before “on” becomes “over” the brink?
Like co-editor Pachter, Dennis M. Dubin placed his first published story while still in high school—in EQMM (July 1967). However, unlike the former, Dubin’s story, “Elroy Quinn’s Last Case” was prophetic, as it seems to be the author’s last mystery as well. I can see why it concludes the parody section, yet its madcap elements balance nicely with its drama and provide a smooth transition to the collection’s final section.
As the story opens, Elroy Quinn already long retired, is coaxed into action by Inspector Thomas Velie, who explains, “the king of Ubinorabia arrived here two days ago to begin talks on the huge oil deposit recently discovered in his country.” It’s large enough to incent dialog between East and West, but only the king supports it. His heir does not. One of the king’s bodyguards is dead, a victim of mistaken identity—meaning the monarch himself is marked for murder. Who wants him dead? The clues only deepen the mystery: “…a gladiator’s helmet and pair of cats, one with a plethora of tails.” Baffling to Velie and most mortals, but Quinn’s cogitations overcome all obstacles and justice, is at last, laid to rest.
The anthology’s third section, Potpourri—stories inspired by Queen—opens with “The Norwegian Apple Mystery” by James Holding. It first appeared in EQMM Nov. 1960.
Two mystery-writer partners, vacationing on a cruise ship, are intrigued by the death of one of their fellow passengers, who choked to death on an apple while reading in bed, alone. The event sparks their collective curiosity, and once they begin speculating that it was not an accident, they soon find themselves creating a plausible plot for murder. A highly entertaining lesson in how to create a murder mystery.
Ancient Arthur Mindy is “The Man Who Read Ellery Queen” in William Brittain’s fictional world of the Goodwell Senior Citizen Home, first printed in EQMM in Dec. 1965. Mindy’s prize possession is a complete set of books by Queen, and at the top of his bucket list is the chance to solve a mystery in the manner of the great detective. He sees his opportunity when the prize possession of another senior suddenly goes missing. It’s schmaltzy, but somehow Brittain keeps a low-key mystery vibrant and feel-good ending feeling good.
Remarkably, co-editor Josh Pachter was in high school when his first story appeared in EQMM Dec. 1968. In “E.Q. Griffen Earns His Name” a sixteen-year-old detective tackles two mysteries. The first involves a robbery, a baffling case in which his father, Inspector Ross Griffen, explains all the details. His son, E.Q., listens intently and pulls out the solution, thus “earning his name.” The second mystery is also a robbery, and its solution also lies in the details, but maybe not the ones even a clever detective might think.
Stephen Coleman is rich, frugal, and able to learn from his mistakes. Like setting up a joint checking account with his wife. A mistake he’s careful not to repeat with wife number two. In “The Last Check” by Patricia McGerr (originally from EQMM March 1972), Coleman leaves a signature on a blank check as his dying message. It could be a clue to his murderer’s identity if only Captain Rogan can sleuth out its meaning.
Grand Master Lawrence Block provides “The Death of Mallory Queen,” which first appeared in Futures Mystery Jan/Feb 2006. Publisher Mavis Mallory urges Leo Haig, a detective second only to Nero Wolfe, and his assistant Chip Harrison, to save her from what she firmly believes is her impending murder. When and where? At the upcoming twenty-fifth anniversary celebration of Mallory’s Mystery Magazine. Who and how? She provides an impressive list of frienemies; all with good reason to want her dead. And it’s no surprise when she dies, but the fun here is in both the telling and the solution to the crime. Block’s tale is witty, light, and highly entertaining.
Arthur Vidro’s tale “The Ransom of EQMM #1” leverages a bit of “The World’s Best Selling Mystery Magazine” history to build a case that should delight collectors and engage readers who enjoy a good puzzle. The story first appeared on the Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine’s website to help celebrate their 70th anniversary in 2011.
Joseph Goodrich’s “The Ten-Cent Murder,” from EQMM Aug. 2016, brings the collection to a satisfying close. Queen’s methods and his trio of leading suspects are strongly in evidence in this murder mystery presided over by a fictitious Dash Hammett and Fred Dannay. The dialog between the two famed writers alone is worth the price of admission.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the Ellery Queen character or magazine, The Misadventures of Ellery Queen is a terrific collection, long overdue.
October 5, 2022
This book was a lot of fun. It's a collection of 16 stories that are tributes, parodies, or pastiches of Ellery Queen's writing. Some are humorous and/or tongue-in-cheek, while others are more serious. Almost all do a good job of conjuring the master's oeuvre with wit and respect.
I think my favorite story was the one by Josh Pachter, "E.Q. Griffen Earns His Name," which is about a family where all the children are named for, and behave like, famous fictional detectives. I also really liked Edward D. Hoch's "The Reindeer Clue," which I thought most closely matched in tone and spirit the short stories of Ellery Queen (which I think I like better than the novels).
All in all a charming batch of stories and a delightful, quick read!
I think my favorite story was the one by Josh Pachter, "E.Q. Griffen Earns His Name," which is about a family where all the children are named for, and behave like, famous fictional detectives. I also really liked Edward D. Hoch's "The Reindeer Clue," which I thought most closely matched in tone and spirit the short stories of Ellery Queen (which I think I like better than the novels).
All in all a charming batch of stories and a delightful, quick read!
February 20, 2018
Great read!
A must for any EQ fan. A blend of all that's good in short stories. I hope there will be more.
A must for any EQ fan. A blend of all that's good in short stories. I hope there will be more.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews