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Masterpieces of Mystery: The Grand Masters
Collection of mystery stories. Gold embossed red cover.
- GenresMysteryAnthologies
351 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1976
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About the author
Ellery Queen
1,789 books490 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 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 3, 2022
This exciting anthology was published in 1976 and showcased stories from previous Grand Masters of mystery. Not surprisingly, all but one of the authors was male and white and the stories in the collection all take place between 1930 and 1950. That being said, each tale was eloquent, engaging, and filled with twists and surprises. From disappearing children to murdered mobsters, the language and classic ambiance transported me back to the time of big cars, black-and-white films, fashionable detectives, and low-tech sleuthing. I really enjoyed (almost) every minute.
January 25, 2021
The Tragedy of Papa Ponsard: Not a mystery, but it alright.
Help Wanted, Male: That dialogue was spicy yessss.
Mum Is the Word: "What a scrumbumptious day!" he exulted. "What an absolutely virgin way to start the year!"
"Oh, stop talking like a character in a book."
This one's awesome.
"The Case of the Crying Swallow": heyy, that's not a detective. That's a lawyer!
"The House in Goblin Wood": I thought this was just a 'how'd she get out the locked room' mystery, but holy mother of mother I was wrong!
"A Routine Night's Work": This definitely has the action, but it's not the best.
"Maigret's Christmas": Santa's the murderer!!
"5 - 4 = Murderer": A blind detective! That's cool.
"Gideon's War": More like a mafia story than a mystery. Not really cheering for anybody.
"The Baby in the Icebox": Super entertaining, although the main character isn't there for the action. Also, what a clicky-baity title. Also, not a mystery.
"The Flowering Face": Well, that was kinda unsatisfying but definitely intriguing but also so much depends on how the freaking car lights look in the fog but I like the Shakespearean title quote
"I Always Get the Cuties": The writing was super good, but the story kinda felt like nothing. Of course, it's only 8 pages but still.
"The Day the Children Vanished": This is the best one. It had the emotion, it had the stakes, it was satisfying...it's just a good story.
"Guilt-Edged Blonde": It be weak sauce
"The Case of the Emerald Sky": Not exactly best for last. Forgettable.
Overall, a solid collection of short stories.
Help Wanted, Male: That dialogue was spicy yessss.
Mum Is the Word: "What a scrumbumptious day!" he exulted. "What an absolutely virgin way to start the year!"
"Oh, stop talking like a character in a book."
This one's awesome.
"The Case of the Crying Swallow": heyy, that's not a detective. That's a lawyer!
"The House in Goblin Wood": I thought this was just a 'how'd she get out the locked room' mystery, but holy mother of mother I was wrong!
"A Routine Night's Work": This definitely has the action, but it's not the best.
"Maigret's Christmas": Santa's the murderer!!
"5 - 4 = Murderer": A blind detective! That's cool.
"Gideon's War": More like a mafia story than a mystery. Not really cheering for anybody.
"The Baby in the Icebox": Super entertaining, although the main character isn't there for the action. Also, what a clicky-baity title. Also, not a mystery.
"The Flowering Face": Well, that was kinda unsatisfying but definitely intriguing but also so much depends on how the freaking car lights look in the fog but I like the Shakespearean title quote
"I Always Get the Cuties": The writing was super good, but the story kinda felt like nothing. Of course, it's only 8 pages but still.
"The Day the Children Vanished": This is the best one. It had the emotion, it had the stakes, it was satisfying...it's just a good story.
"Guilt-Edged Blonde": It be weak sauce
"The Case of the Emerald Sky": Not exactly best for last. Forgettable.
Overall, a solid collection of short stories.
February 9, 2019
Stories by all of the winners of the title Grand Master of the Mystery Writers Association. Timeless stories starring Perry Mason, Nero Wolfe, Ellery Queen and 13 others.
October 20, 2019
This collection features authors who are not generally well known, but who have done fabulous work! Great selection, Ellery!
March 27, 2014
Like most mystery short stories, some are good and some are not so good. Some took too long to spin their tales ... I like short stories that are short for a reason. Too many insignificant details detract from the spirit of mystery writing.
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October 22, 2008M Que
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews