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The Agony Column
Classic mystery from the creator of Charlie Chan! An American visiting London makes the mistake of checking the personals column...the 'agony column'...and finds himself mixed up in murder!
108 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1916
31 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Earl Derr Biggers
232 books86 followersEarl Derr Biggers was born in Warren, Ohio on August 24, 1884. Years later, while attending Harvard University, Biggers showed little passion for the classics, preferring instead writers such as Rudyard Kipling and Richard Harding Davis. Following his graduation from Harvard in 1907, he worked briefly for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and at Bobbs-Merrill publishers. By 1908, Biggers was hired at the Boston Traveler to write a daily humor column. Soon, however, he became that paper's drama critic. It was at this time that he met Elanor Ladd, who would later become his wife and who would have a marked influence in his writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 1, 2017
The Agony Column is a perfect brew of mystery and romance of the very old-fashioned variety. Perhaps no one other than M.M. Kaye blended these two elements as well as Earl Derr Biggers. Forever remembered for his creation of Charlie Chan, the great detective from Hawaii, many of Biggers' other novels and novellas are just as enjoyable. Such is the case here, in this short but satisfying story.
Written in 1916, the Great War very much plays a part in this tale of love, murder and spies. When a young woman catches the eye and heart of a young American in London, his only chance may be a bit of impropriety called "The Daily."
The personal Geoffrey West writes catches the attention of the girl in question, and in spite of some misgivings, she agrees to read his personal correspondence. Her growing affection turns to dread and worry, however, as her heart is plunged deep into the plight of this young man desperately trying to prove his innocence after a murder occurs, and the possibility of it involving spies during wartime is broached.
There is excitement and peril of the old-fashioned variety as the tale is told by the young Geoffrey. He seeks the love of this young woman, knowing he may never get to meet her in person, unless he can clear himself. She, on the other hand, is frantic she will have to return by ship with her father, a Texas politician, before she discovers what has become of her young, romantic suitor.
Biggers throws in a startling surprise to keep readers on their toes. They too will hang on every word written in the Agony Column to discover the outcome. The ending of the mystery is both satisfying and quite romantic in an old-fashioned way.
Much different in style and tone than today's mysteries, "The Agony Column" has more in common with the early British films of Hitchcock than anything else. If you are fond of the romantic style of Biggers so evident in the first Charlie Chan novels, it's worth reading this mystery novella, which can be found on Kindle for Free, or a minimal amount. Too old-fashioned for some "modern" reading tastes, but a refreshing change of pace for those who prefer classic mystery and old-fashioned romance.
Written in 1916, the Great War very much plays a part in this tale of love, murder and spies. When a young woman catches the eye and heart of a young American in London, his only chance may be a bit of impropriety called "The Daily."
The personal Geoffrey West writes catches the attention of the girl in question, and in spite of some misgivings, she agrees to read his personal correspondence. Her growing affection turns to dread and worry, however, as her heart is plunged deep into the plight of this young man desperately trying to prove his innocence after a murder occurs, and the possibility of it involving spies during wartime is broached.
There is excitement and peril of the old-fashioned variety as the tale is told by the young Geoffrey. He seeks the love of this young woman, knowing he may never get to meet her in person, unless he can clear himself. She, on the other hand, is frantic she will have to return by ship with her father, a Texas politician, before she discovers what has become of her young, romantic suitor.
Biggers throws in a startling surprise to keep readers on their toes. They too will hang on every word written in the Agony Column to discover the outcome. The ending of the mystery is both satisfying and quite romantic in an old-fashioned way.
Much different in style and tone than today's mysteries, "The Agony Column" has more in common with the early British films of Hitchcock than anything else. If you are fond of the romantic style of Biggers so evident in the first Charlie Chan novels, it's worth reading this mystery novella, which can be found on Kindle for Free, or a minimal amount. Too old-fashioned for some "modern" reading tastes, but a refreshing change of pace for those who prefer classic mystery and old-fashioned romance.
September 15, 2013
A few months ago, inspired by a book blogger’s challenge for reading the century, I begun on a project of my own aiming to read a mystery/crime novel published in each of the years of the twentieth century. I decided that I was to read the novels in chronological order and that I would not read the same author twice for the purposes of the project. I soon settled into a pattern of one ‘century of crime’ book a month and already I love the element of ‘pot luck’ that comes with choosing a book based solely on the year of publication and the sound of the title. Thanks to Project Gutenberg, availability has not been an issue so far. I have also found myself fascinated to observe the evolvement of the genre and the differing styles and tastes current in the early years of the century.
This was my choice for 1916. It is so short that it’s almost a long short story and is really quite light-hearted for all that it takes place in the last days of July and the first days of August 1914. These are the last days of peace and the very last days of the ‘Old World’. One of the most interesting elements of the book for me was the glimpse it afforded into what is likely to have been the atmosphere in expectant London during that week.
‘The agony column’ of the title refers to the personal columns of English newspapers where it was apparently the custom for young people to solicit the acquaintance of people they had seen in passing. The American protagonist, who enjoys reading these ads, decides to also resort to this medium in order to get to know a fellow American girl that has taken his fancy. The mystery that unfolds is related in the seven letters he sends to her and is well constructed with a good build up of tension. The final twist had momentarily crossed my mind but I can’t really say I predicted it. Still, I’m glad it came because it deflated the slightly silly melodrama (for want of a better word) that had started to build in the immediately preceding pages.
This was my choice for 1916. It is so short that it’s almost a long short story and is really quite light-hearted for all that it takes place in the last days of July and the first days of August 1914. These are the last days of peace and the very last days of the ‘Old World’. One of the most interesting elements of the book for me was the glimpse it afforded into what is likely to have been the atmosphere in expectant London during that week.
‘The agony column’ of the title refers to the personal columns of English newspapers where it was apparently the custom for young people to solicit the acquaintance of people they had seen in passing. The American protagonist, who enjoys reading these ads, decides to also resort to this medium in order to get to know a fellow American girl that has taken his fancy. The mystery that unfolds is related in the seven letters he sends to her and is well constructed with a good build up of tension. The final twist had momentarily crossed my mind but I can’t really say I predicted it. Still, I’m glad it came because it deflated the slightly silly melodrama (for want of a better word) that had started to build in the immediately preceding pages.
September 25, 2017
4.50 stars - rated pg13
Do all "vintage" authors have this lovely, soft, flowing, descriptive writing style?? I love it! I read most of it out loud -- it was just that fun to read. This is a short (70 pages?) old-school tale of intrigue, romance and mystery. Our story takes place just as World War I is starting to brew. A shy young American man is in London on a long business trip. Every morning at breakfast in the hotel dining room he reads two newspapers -- one for the actual news and one for the "Agony Column" or "personal notices". ~~{Those of us aged readers can remember when newspapers actually had these fun pages to read. For the younger set, imagine an early 1914 version of perhaps Facebook or Twitter, they even used the same type of abbreviations now used in texting. People would pay to have anonymous messages in the paper, for many different reasons, but often to try and find or communicate with someone you do not know, but have only seen from afar. Usually with the goal of a romantic relationship. Example: "Would the lady who left in the taxi and waved, care to know the gentleman in the gray tweed coat? If so, meet in Cross Street Cafe Thursday next at 2pm."} ~~ Now back to our sweet, mysterious tale. A young American woman is on a long visit to London with her father and is seen by our young man in the same hotel dining room, and she's reading and enjoying the Agony Column. He falls in love at first sight! And being too shy to approach her, he anonymously decides to place an ad in hopes that she'll respond. She does respond, via her own ad placed in the paper. But she requires him to write a letter to her each day for seven days and at the end she'll determine if he's someone she'd like to actually meet in person. He starts out sweetly enough describing his daily activity and the beautiful garden outside his window. But each day the letters get more interesting/alarming/mysterious as it turns out our young hero becomes the witness to a crime. A murder. And now war is about to break out in England and our young couple are caught up in a tense mystery and have yet to even meet!
I loooved this story!! Loved the twist at the end. The very, very end is a somewhat silly yet sweet bit of old-fashioned romance worthy of an MGM THE END! logo.
The objectionable bits: two somewhat mild and briefly described deaths (my tender sensibilities could handle it just fine) and one section shows the time period in which this was written by using a few prejudicial terms for people who were not of the Anglo-Saxon persuasion; e.g. "Japs" for Japanese.
Side note. I love some of the terms used in these vintage books. Don't think I've ever come across "well-tubbed" before! And "twaddle" is one of my all time favorites.
Do all "vintage" authors have this lovely, soft, flowing, descriptive writing style?? I love it! I read most of it out loud -- it was just that fun to read. This is a short (70 pages?) old-school tale of intrigue, romance and mystery. Our story takes place just as World War I is starting to brew. A shy young American man is in London on a long business trip. Every morning at breakfast in the hotel dining room he reads two newspapers -- one for the actual news and one for the "Agony Column" or "personal notices". ~~{Those of us aged readers can remember when newspapers actually had these fun pages to read. For the younger set, imagine an early 1914 version of perhaps Facebook or Twitter, they even used the same type of abbreviations now used in texting. People would pay to have anonymous messages in the paper, for many different reasons, but often to try and find or communicate with someone you do not know, but have only seen from afar. Usually with the goal of a romantic relationship. Example: "Would the lady who left in the taxi and waved, care to know the gentleman in the gray tweed coat? If so, meet in Cross Street Cafe Thursday next at 2pm."} ~~ Now back to our sweet, mysterious tale. A young American woman is on a long visit to London with her father and is seen by our young man in the same hotel dining room, and she's reading and enjoying the Agony Column. He falls in love at first sight! And being too shy to approach her, he anonymously decides to place an ad in hopes that she'll respond. She does respond, via her own ad placed in the paper. But she requires him to write a letter to her each day for seven days and at the end she'll determine if he's someone she'd like to actually meet in person. He starts out sweetly enough describing his daily activity and the beautiful garden outside his window. But each day the letters get more interesting/alarming/mysterious as it turns out our young hero becomes the witness to a crime. A murder. And now war is about to break out in England and our young couple are caught up in a tense mystery and have yet to even meet!
I loooved this story!! Loved the twist at the end. The very, very end is a somewhat silly yet sweet bit of old-fashioned romance worthy of an MGM THE END! logo.
The objectionable bits: two somewhat mild and briefly described deaths (my tender sensibilities could handle it just fine) and one section shows the time period in which this was written by using a few prejudicial terms for people who were not of the Anglo-Saxon persuasion; e.g. "Japs" for Japanese.
Side note. I love some of the terms used in these vintage books. Don't think I've ever come across "well-tubbed" before! And "twaddle" is one of my all time favorites.
July 7, 2017
I am without words to describe how much I enjoyed this work of artful mystery. To the very end it held my attention and I wasn't disappointed as I am so many times with modern day authors. Maybe an old school mystery that new school authors should take notice of. Lots of intrigue and romance without explicit sex, much to my liking. I have always been a huge fan of Biggers' Charlie Chan movies, just sorry I never read any of his books. You can be sure I won't forget him and am going after more of his craft.
September 29, 2016
It's hard to describe how much I was charmed and fascinated by this short novel.
This is the first time I've read anything by Biggers except perhaps a short story or two in the old EQMM anthologies I used to devour. There's a very good reason. Decades ago I watched maybe three or four of the Charlie Chan movies, based on Biggers's characters, and took a fair scunner against them. I'm not sure I was right in my perception of them as patronizingly racist and all-round crass; I suppose I really ought to rewatch one or two but, y'know, yawn. Of course, that shouldn't have affected any feelings I might have had about Biggers's original novels -- those novels that I hadn't read -- but of course, since I'm human and therefore all too fallible (don't tell my wife, who I'm sure hasn't yet sussed this out), it did.
So I was a bit nervous as I started The Agony Column: Was this going to be clumsily written and oafish?
Exactly the opposite was true. The writing in The Agony Column is really quite superb; I've read far less well written novels that are widely regarded as yer literature. Over and again I found myself grinning at the aptness of Biggers's turns of phrase and the rhythm of his prose -- although most of the time I was sufficiently rapt in his tale that I noticed nothing of such technicalities. The narrative bubbled along merrily with me in happy pursuit.
The plot? Oh, yes.
In London in the days immediately before World War I a young US playwright (based on Biggers himself, perhaps?) runs into a young US tourist and falls immediately in love with her. While she fobs off his suggestions that they meet again, she grants him permission to send her seven letters.
But then calamity befalls him. As he describes to her in those seven letters, the man upstairs from him is murdered, and he himself becomes a prime suspect. As he continues to tell his tale, we witness her increasing involvement in his fortunes. The solution to the murder, when it comes, is so improbable that I was tempted to dismiss the novel as one of great promise but let down by its ending, but then I read the real solution to it all and I was simultaneously chuckling and applauding.
As noted, The Agony Column is quite short -- easy to read in an evening -- and I found it very rewarding indeed. And it has erased entirely my prejudices against Biggers. I'm not sure how eager I am to plunge into the Charlie Chan saga, but I'd not be surprised if some of his standalones feature in my future reading. Pretty soon, in fact.
This is the first time I've read anything by Biggers except perhaps a short story or two in the old EQMM anthologies I used to devour. There's a very good reason. Decades ago I watched maybe three or four of the Charlie Chan movies, based on Biggers's characters, and took a fair scunner against them. I'm not sure I was right in my perception of them as patronizingly racist and all-round crass; I suppose I really ought to rewatch one or two but, y'know, yawn. Of course, that shouldn't have affected any feelings I might have had about Biggers's original novels -- those novels that I hadn't read -- but of course, since I'm human and therefore all too fallible (don't tell my wife, who I'm sure hasn't yet sussed this out), it did.
So I was a bit nervous as I started The Agony Column: Was this going to be clumsily written and oafish?
Exactly the opposite was true. The writing in The Agony Column is really quite superb; I've read far less well written novels that are widely regarded as yer literature. Over and again I found myself grinning at the aptness of Biggers's turns of phrase and the rhythm of his prose -- although most of the time I was sufficiently rapt in his tale that I noticed nothing of such technicalities. The narrative bubbled along merrily with me in happy pursuit.
The plot? Oh, yes.
In London in the days immediately before World War I a young US playwright (based on Biggers himself, perhaps?) runs into a young US tourist and falls immediately in love with her. While she fobs off his suggestions that they meet again, she grants him permission to send her seven letters.
But then calamity befalls him. As he describes to her in those seven letters, the man upstairs from him is murdered, and he himself becomes a prime suspect. As he continues to tell his tale, we witness her increasing involvement in his fortunes. The solution to the murder, when it comes, is so improbable that I was tempted to dismiss the novel as one of great promise but let down by its ending, but then I read the real solution to it all and I was simultaneously chuckling and applauding.
As noted, The Agony Column is quite short -- easy to read in an evening -- and I found it very rewarding indeed. And it has erased entirely my prejudices against Biggers. I'm not sure how eager I am to plunge into the Charlie Chan saga, but I'd not be surprised if some of his standalones feature in my future reading. Pretty soon, in fact.
January 27, 2020
A fun little mystery with a unique twist. From the author best known for the original six novels of the Charlie Chan Series. I've been glued to my headphones for a couple of days (excellent LibriVox recording). I really must read more books by this fellow. Good for what ails you!
September 14, 2024
Somehow, despite murder and the deepest infatuations, this book is most amusing, most amusing indeed. From a tiff over strawberries comes a tale with more twists than your average romance novel. I’ve read it at least three times and still, every time, I reach the climax of mystery and suspense, I’ve enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time.
It is very clean, and I highly recommend this sweet little story.
(Review from a long time ago.)
Very suspenseful! I've read it twice. Quite a surprise at the end.
It is very clean, and I highly recommend this sweet little story.
(Review from a long time ago.)
Very suspenseful! I've read it twice. Quite a surprise at the end.
July 9, 2011
It took me quite a while to start this book. It appeared to be an old fashioned, slow, artsy type of book which always is difficult for my hyperactive brain to grasp. But whoa!!!!! When I started, it was a gem of a book that I recommend everyone to read. In this age of Facebook, Twitter, the Personals online, the classified section of the local paper is a romantic way to meet your one true love. Geoffrey West has a routine. He picks the paper and walks to a nearby hotel to enjoy his breakfast while he reads the Agony Column. He pokes fun at the secret admirers, that is until he glances up and sees her. He notices she too has the paper and soon discovers she is a fan of the Agony Columns like him. The idea of becoming one of those ridiculous secret admirers comes to him and soon his Lady and He are corresponding. He pours everything that happens to him, kinda like what we do in Twitter, to her and... well for the rest read the book. Trust me its not your usual romantic affair...
November 15, 2020
They "met" on the cusp of WW1, two Americans in London, through the agony column in the Daily Mail. Murder, international intrigue and a twist I didn't see coming threw another star in my final rating. Really enjoyed this.
January 8, 2015
Difficult book to rate. Highly entertaining, but also very frustrating, especially for modern audiences.
The framing device for this story is cute, and it really keeps you guessing as to whether the narrator is actually on the level. It's excellently written and briskly paced, and, at just over a hundred pages, it's smart enough not to overstay its welcome.
But the book lacks tension, because we never know until the end just how much of it was really supposed to have happened. The narrator's goal is to impress his lady-love, after all, so one must take everything he says with a grain of salt.
Which brings us to another problem. The romance angle in this novel is utterly ridiculous from a modern standpoint. Not only does the whole love-at-first-sight thing seem rather antiquated, but the main character sounds like a crazed stalker every time he expresses his undying love for a woman he's never even met and only briefly seen. Also, as an American traveling throughout England, he is quick to stereotype just about every British person he comes across.
I was also disappointed that the Agony Column itself played such a small role in the novel. Not sure why Derr Biggers selected that for the title, other than it sounds cool. Should have been called LETTERS FROM A DESPERATE MAN or something.
Ultimately, the story resolved exactly the way I would have expected, had I not assumed the author capable of coming up with something better. Very disappointing, and a huge waste of potential.
The framing device for this story is cute, and it really keeps you guessing as to whether the narrator is actually on the level. It's excellently written and briskly paced, and, at just over a hundred pages, it's smart enough not to overstay its welcome.
But the book lacks tension, because we never know until the end just how much of it was really supposed to have happened. The narrator's goal is to impress his lady-love, after all, so one must take everything he says with a grain of salt.
Which brings us to another problem. The romance angle in this novel is utterly ridiculous from a modern standpoint. Not only does the whole love-at-first-sight thing seem rather antiquated, but the main character sounds like a crazed stalker every time he expresses his undying love for a woman he's never even met and only briefly seen. Also, as an American traveling throughout England, he is quick to stereotype just about every British person he comes across.
I was also disappointed that the Agony Column itself played such a small role in the novel. Not sure why Derr Biggers selected that for the title, other than it sounds cool. Should have been called LETTERS FROM A DESPERATE MAN or something.
Ultimately, the story resolved exactly the way I would have expected, had I not assumed the author capable of coming up with something better. Very disappointing, and a huge waste of potential.
December 23, 2016
I'm smiling even as I write this review of an unconventional mystery story. I don't want to give away the plot so I'll just say it's very charming and everyone who likes a touch of mystery and romance in their lives should enjoy it unspoilt.
June 2, 2020
2.5 stars for this quick, lite read. Published 1916, and it shows. Interesting to see a male author of Biggers' time have recourse to the epistolary format--which didn't add much to the novel, but he started with it and had to continue.
Half a star was taken away for the idiotic ending. Oh, please.
Never thought I'd say this but I missed Charlie Chan.
Half a star was taken away for the idiotic ending. Oh, please.
Never thought I'd say this but I missed Charlie Chan.
September 1, 2012
According to Wikipedia, this book was also published as Second Floor Mystery in 1916.
Free download at Gutenberg Project
Free download at Gutenberg Project
May 31, 2023
🖊 My review: “London that historic summer was almost unbearably hot. It seems, looking back, as though the big baking city in those days was meant to serve as an anteroom of torture—an inadequate bit of preparation for the hell that was soon to break in the guise of the Great War.” … This is a clever book, one that shares the newspaper classifieds between two people, a sort of lonely-hearts type. The writing by Earl Derr Biggers is smooth and the story is interesting, with a dénouement that might be called rewarding.
✔️Published in 1916. The Agony Column was also published under the title, “The Second Floor Mystery.”
🤔 My rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🟣 Media form: Kindle version.
🟢 Media form Project Gutenberg.
🔲 Excerpts of note:
✿●▬●✿●✿●▬●✿
✔️Published in 1916. The Agony Column was also published under the title, “The Second Floor Mystery.”
🤔 My rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🟣 Media form: Kindle version.
🟢 Media form Project Gutenberg.
🔲 Excerpts of note:
🔹 STRAWBERRY MAN: Only the grapefruit lady's kind heart and her great fondness for mystery and romance move her to answer. The strawberry-mad one may write one letter a day for seven days—to prove that he is an interesting person, worth knowing. Then—we shall see. Address: M. A. L., care Sadie Haight, Carlton Hotel. All day West walked on air, but with the evening came the problem of those letters, on which depended, he felt, his entire future happiness.
🔹 DEAR LADY OF THE GRAPEFRUIT: You are very kind. Also, you are wise. Wise, because into my clumsy little Personal you read nothing that was not there. You knew it immediately for what it was—the timid tentative clutch of a shy man at the skirts of Romance in passing. Believe me, old Conservatism was with me when I wrote that message. He was fighting hard.
✿●▬●✿●✿●▬●✿
August 21, 2023
It was pretty good. It’s a mystery/romance from about 1916/7. Heteronormative, of course. But I did keep guessing about the mystery of who had killed the man and why.
I like a mix of mystery and romance; but in this book, I didn’t understand how he could be in love with her without having heard one thing about her. I guess it makes sense why she likes him (even though it was only a week). He did go to great extremes to impress her and to be with her; and he can provide a good distraction in hard times. We don’t know stuff like where they’re going to live; but he sounds successful enough to get them through what’s going to be a hard time.
There’s a thing that he does towards the end and I think she forgives him too easily; but I didn’t get mad at it.
I liked her dad. He seems to really enjoy his daughter’s company and respect her as a human. That was especially rare at the time. And he likes talking to the hotel staff, respects their opinion too.
I listened to it through Librivox and the narrator did a fair job. His voice is pleasant to listen to but he made no effort to change his voice for different characters or sounds.
CW: death (not graphically described); some gender dichotomy (he calls her “my lady” when he’s still wooing her, which I think was just part of the time and not him being possessive).
I like a mix of mystery and romance; but in this book, I didn’t understand how he could be in love with her without having heard one thing about her. I guess it makes sense why she likes him (even though it was only a week). He did go to great extremes to impress her and to be with her; and he can provide a good distraction in hard times. We don’t know stuff like where they’re going to live; but he sounds successful enough to get them through what’s going to be a hard time.
There’s a thing that he does towards the end and I think she forgives him too easily; but I didn’t get mad at it.
I liked her dad. He seems to really enjoy his daughter’s company and respect her as a human. That was especially rare at the time. And he likes talking to the hotel staff, respects their opinion too.
I listened to it through Librivox and the narrator did a fair job. His voice is pleasant to listen to but he made no effort to change his voice for different characters or sounds.
CW: death (not graphically described); some gender dichotomy (he calls her “my lady” when he’s still wooing her, which I think was just part of the time and not him being possessive).
October 7, 2018
The short story opens on July 23, 1914 as Geoffrey West, an American in London, an avid reader of the personal column (called the “Agony Column in England) in the daily paper as his major source of entertainment eating breakfast at a hotel sees a young American woman and her father enter and seated near him who also reads the Agony Column. It is love at first sight for him. He is so smitten, that he places an ad in the column addressed to her stating his interest. She responds giving her name, Sadie Haight, and hotel address telling him if he is interested, he must write her 7 letters in 7 days and she will then decide whether or not she’s interested.
The narration continues as expressed in his well written daily letters which she looks forward to. His letters are fascinating accounts of who he is and how he becomes involved regarding the murder of the person who lives in the rooms above his and what happens as a result. It is narration of high drama and romance between two people who have never met!
The narration continues as expressed in his well written daily letters which she looks forward to. His letters are fascinating accounts of who he is and how he becomes involved regarding the murder of the person who lives in the rooms above his and what happens as a result. It is narration of high drama and romance between two people who have never met!
July 13, 2023
Book #: 48
Title: The Agony Column
Author: Earl Derr Biggers
Series: na
Format: 108 pages, e-book, own, part of omnibus
Pub Date: First published January 1, 1916
Started: 6/22/23 Ended: 6/24/23
Awards: none
Categories: Mystery, Book published in 1910's
Rating: ***** five out of five stars
The Agony Column of a British newspaper is similar to the Personals column of a supermarket tabloid. An American visiting Londonfalls in love with a woman dining at the next table over when he goes to a restaurant. He doesn't get her name but puts an ad in the agony column asking for her. Surprisingly, she answers. She's leaving London in a week, he can write to her daily at her hotel to convince her to give her home address. She's intrigued by the mystery. He starts writing to her, but then gets involved in a murder at his own hotel where he cannot leave because he's a possible suspect. I bought the Biggers omnibus because I had trouble tracking down the sixth Charlie
Chan mystery. This one was also enjoyable.
Title: The Agony Column
Author: Earl Derr Biggers
Series: na
Format: 108 pages, e-book, own, part of omnibus
Pub Date: First published January 1, 1916
Started: 6/22/23 Ended: 6/24/23
Awards: none
Categories: Mystery, Book published in 1910's
Rating: ***** five out of five stars
The Agony Column of a British newspaper is similar to the Personals column of a supermarket tabloid. An American visiting Londonfalls in love with a woman dining at the next table over when he goes to a restaurant. He doesn't get her name but puts an ad in the agony column asking for her. Surprisingly, she answers. She's leaving London in a week, he can write to her daily at her hotel to convince her to give her home address. She's intrigued by the mystery. He starts writing to her, but then gets involved in a murder at his own hotel where he cannot leave because he's a possible suspect. I bought the Biggers omnibus because I had trouble tracking down the sixth Charlie
Chan mystery. This one was also enjoyable.
July 25, 2022
Proving again that writing hit a pinnacle in the early 20th century and has never, and likely will never, see those heights again. Language included is far from the nonsense Valley Girl pablum he read today. This is a very well written story.
The plotting was a tough effort and is pull off well. In a sense, this is a flashback story as each chapter writes of the day before. The shuffling of the mystery works well this way.
A trouble I had was the lengthy writing done by the main character to another and the view that the writings would be read. This is more in question at the beginning than end. Still, a bit of a stretch that letter reader would stake so much on a daily letter from a complete stranger.
Suffice to write, the character's gamble paid off as did author Biggers.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 7 out of ten points.
The plotting was a tough effort and is pull off well. In a sense, this is a flashback story as each chapter writes of the day before. The shuffling of the mystery works well this way.
A trouble I had was the lengthy writing done by the main character to another and the view that the writings would be read. This is more in question at the beginning than end. Still, a bit of a stretch that letter reader would stake so much on a daily letter from a complete stranger.
Suffice to write, the character's gamble paid off as did author Biggers.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 7 out of ten points.
March 31, 2021
A nifty and quirky novella by the author better known for his Charlie Chan stories. This tale unfolds mostly in London at onset of the Great War. It's mix of murder mystery, spy caper, and romance. One of the quirks is that it's largely told via letters from one character to the other. There are also more than one genuine surprise twists as the tale is spun out.
Very good read. I highly recommend this book.
Very good read. I highly recommend this book.
January 11, 2023
A delightful mystery with a shocking twist that takes place entirely through letter that begin in the Daily Mail Agony Column. I was truly astounded because I never guessed, not even a little. That rarely happens. The story had me from the start and I couldn't put it down.
This is another old novel from Project Gutenberg and I'm glad I read it. It's a quick read so you can do it in a day. But take your time and enjoy it.
This is another old novel from Project Gutenberg and I'm glad I read it. It's a quick read so you can do it in a day. But take your time and enjoy it.
February 20, 2024
A pleasant surprise from the author who created the Charlie Chan mysteries. I'd previously only read Seven Keys to Baldpate and hadn't been very impressed. The Agony Column on the other hand was a thoroughly enjoyable World War I spy novel with a great twist at the end. The main characters were extremely likable and their romance quite believable. This was one of the few times an epistolary style of narration actually worked.
July 7, 2018
Ah, now this is what I was hoping for when I started this anthology. Short, slightly silly, and very entertaining. Easily the best of this collection of Earl Derr Biggers' non-Charlie Chan novels. It does leave some mysteries unanswered, though...I confess that I'm still wondering what precisely all those letters to the agony column actually meant!
July 18, 2020
The "Agony Column" refers to a newspaper feature in which people can send unsigned messages to one another. Set in London in July 1914, the plot revolves around seven letters in the Agony Column from a man who is explaining to his lady love interest the sudden circumstances surrounding the myserious demise of his upstairs neighbor. A nice suprise ending.
September 13, 2020
I was just in my kitchen baking up some potatoes when a few random scenes from this book ran through my head. I had to come on GR and see if I had ever rated it. I read The Agony Column over ten years ago and still think about how much fun it was. A great story with mystery, adventure, and romance, and newspapers (remember those).
September 4, 2024
The final epistle of this epistolary romance-murder mystery has one of the most obvious twists in the history of literature, and unsurprisingly given the author there's an unpleasant dose of racism in the depiction of Chinese laborers in London, but for the most part it's amiable enough, and available free on Project Gutenberg.
July 20, 2025
Listened to this while on a road trip through Europe to and from the Czech Republic, a recommendation from my brother. Not only was it great fun, but a very useful distraction on long motorway sections. We both thoroughly enjoyed it from the get-go, as the 'strawberry man' sends his beloved daily letters full of mystery and adventure ...
December 20, 2016
I decided to read this one as Earl Derr Biggers is from my home town. This book is NOT Charlie Chan! This is one of his earlier works. I'm not sure I liked all that much. Short review because of that.
July 28, 2020
Excellent whimsical mystery romance involving a man who falls in love at first sight and attempts to win the lady's heart through a series of personal letters and messages in a newspaper's "Agony Column." Engaging characters and twisted plot. Highly recommended.
May 27, 2021
Oh, what a fun, little jaunt into the previous century! A light, fluff piece, perfect for those days when you just want something escapist, but not too long. I'm not a huge fan of mystery but somehow I loved this author's writing style, and will definitely be checking out his other books.
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