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The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes: A Collection of Victorian Detective Tales by Stefan Dziemianowicz
lizabethstucker's review
4.0
The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes compiled by Stefan Dziemianowicz
Subtitled “A Collection of Victorian Tales”. Forty stories ranging from those published just before Sir Arthur Conan Doyle shared the first Holmes story through those published during the same period. Tales from the U. K. and America, female detectives as well as authors, homages and satires, this collection has it all.
A fantastic collection that I highly recommend to anyone who loves detective stories, who loves Sherlock Holmes and wants to see the effect he had on others, as well as anyone who has an interest in Victorian fiction. 4 out of 5.
The Purloined Letter by Edgar Allan Poe
(C. Auguste Dupin 3) Monsieur G---, Prefect of the Parisian Police, comes to consult with C. Auguste Dupin regarding a stolen letter that must be retrieved. As a huge fan of both Poe and Doyle, I can easily recognize what Doyle “borrowed” from Poe’s Dupin and what he improved. The mystery is a clever little puzzle, but Dupin is an asshat, someone I want to smack. Hard. Repeatedly. 4 out of 5.
Three Detective Anecdotes by Charles Dickens
Inspector Wield relates two tales of cases he was involved with, while Sergeant Dornton shares the third. We begin with “The Pair of Gloves”, a possibly important clue to the identity of a murderer. In “The Artful Touch”, Wield is impressed by Sergeant Witchem’s actions during the takedown of a thief. Finally, in “The Sofa”, someone stealing from medical students. The setup in the first tale was quite a sucker punch. Funny as well. Witchem is the type of character that makes you want to know more. Finally, we have some old-fashioned police work by Sgt. Dornton in the last story. Personally, I found this to be too short, not something usually said about Dickens, one of my favorite authors. 3.5 out of 5.
The Little Old Man of Batignolles by Emile Gaboriau
Subtitled “A Chapter of a Detective’s Memoirs”. A manuscript left with the Petit Journal gives a closer look at the work of the police detectives, the struggles, the successes and defeats. The narrator, a medical student, finds himself curious about his neighbor, a man with peculiar habits. More than a short story, more novella length. An interesting story about a young medical student’s introduction to the world of crime and the men who search for the guilty. 4 out of 5.
Thou Art the Man by Mary Elizabeth Braddon
When Captain Charles Bywater finally returned from the war, he wanted to see Helen Leeworthy and reveal his love for her. Unfortunately, Helen had disappeared five years earlier. Charlie, knowing deep inside that she’s dead, is on the hunt for the killer. Part mystery, part gothic thriller, all engrossing. I’ve never read this author before despite my love for Victorian era authors. Might need to explore some more of her work. Braddon has taken murder, mourning, and revenge, whipping them into a great story. 4.5 out of 5.
The Great Ruby Robbery by Grant Allen
Wealthy American Persis Remanet’s magnificent ruby necklace disappears. Is the thief her penniless Irish beau, her hostess’ unusually somber maid, or a complete stranger? Detective Gregory is on the case. A surprising culprit, a happy ending for two lovers, and a real mystery all combined into a delightful read. 4 out of 5.
The Lenton Croft Robberies by Arthur Morrison
Private detective Martin Hewitt had been hired due to a series of jewelry robberies at Lenton Croft, home of Sir James Norris. Hewitt is a most interesting character; one I want to read more about. A search must be undertaken. 4 out of 5.
The Duchess of Wiltshire’s Diamonds by Guy Boothby
Simon Carne came to London from India to visit the Earl of Amberley. He rents a place next to renowned investigator Klimo. Then the famous Wiltshire diamonds are stolen. I can’t go into too much detail because it will ruin the story, but I will say that this was definitely different. Think Raffles or the Saint rather than Sherlock Holmes. Hilarious and interesting, a fun read. Almost a caper story. Really, really would like to know the backstory about the mysterious Liz, and not just because we have the same first name. 4.5 out of 5.
The Mystery of the Felwyn Tunnel by L. T. Meade & Robert Eustace
John Bell is pulled away from his experiments to investigate the death of Prichard, a night signalman, and hopefully clear Stephen Wynne, the man arrested for murder. Obviously I wondered if Bell’s name was a deliberate call to Joseph Bell or purely coincidental. The mystery was intriguing, the solution unusual. I almost guessed what was happening, but not quite. Well done. 4 out of 5.
The Case of Oscar Brodski by R. Austin Freeman
A usually careful thief finds an irresistible temptation on his doorstep, one that drives him to murder. Although I’ve long been aware of Thorndyke, I’ve read few of the stories. There is a dryness to both the character and the stories that never appealed to me. Still don’t. However, the early use of science and forensics is fascinating. 3.5 out of 5.
The Coin of Dionysius by Ernest Bramah
Carlyle, an inquiry agent, needs to discover whether a particular coin is counterfeit. He is directed to Wynn Carrados, an amateur expert. Little did they realize that not only do they know each other, but may have a future partnership. A blind detective uses his heightened senses to make up for the loss of sight. An interesting partnership is beginning. 4 out of 5.
A Hunt for a Murderer by Dick Donovan
A young police officer hopes to prove himself by catching a hardened and vicious cop killer. A bit racist (“a Jew crimp”), surprisingly the first that I’ve encountered in this collection, but sadly not that unusual for the time period. An exciting manhunt in the marshes. 3.5 out of 5.
The Tragedy of a Third Smoker by C. J. Cutcliffe Hyne
Two men are alone in a smoking compartment. When they arrive at the station, one is dead and the other is arrested for the murder, despite claiming innocence. I found the solution to be a bit trite and the narrative rather unengaging. 3 out of 5.
The Green-Stone God and the Stockbroker by Fergus Hume
An amateur helps the police when evidence points to the wrong man in a brutal murder. Our unnamed detective was unusual in his acceptance of a woman who solved the crime. 4 out of 5.
The Contents of the Coffin by J. S. Fletcher
After John Barr is convicted of embezzlement without recovery of the money, the bank manager hires Archer Dawe to watch John’s brother, his suspected partner. An interesting caper story from an outsider’s perspective. 3.5 out of 5.
Sir Gilbert Murrell’s Picture by Victor L. Whitechurch
Thorpe Hazell is called in when a train car disappears, then reappears in a station the train never stopped at. The art contained in the carriage initially appeared undisturbed. Hazell is one strange amateur detective. Quirky is okay in a main character, but this guy is beyond weird. 3 out of 5.
The Hundred Thousand Dollar Robbery by Hesketh Prichard
When a bank in Quebec is robbed by one of their employees, November Joe is brought in to track the thief and find the missing money. An interesting manhunt in the bush of Canada. 4 out of 5.
The Hammer of God by G. K. Chesterton
Lecherous Colonel Norman Bohun is killed, but by who? The husband has an unbreakable alibi. The wife doesn’t have the strength. And the nephew is mentally deficient, so if he is the guilty party, he can never be held responsible. I don’t know why, but Father Brown stories have never appealed to me. I find them slow and the characters, even Brown himself, boring and uninteresting. How Father Brown decided to handle the murderer also made no sense to me. Sorry, did not care for this at all. 3 out of 5.
The Riddle of the 5:28 by T. W. Hanshew
A dead man is discovered in a locked train compartment. Was it suicide or murder? Cleek has little doubt. A fascinating mystery with a most unusual detective in Cleek, a former cracksman. 4 out of 5.
The Affair of the Double Thumb Print by Charles Felton Pidgin
Quincy Adams Sawyer had always been fascinated by police work from high school. Now he’s a private detective with friends and contacts all over the city, from the police to the lowest criminals. Police Inspector Gates brings him a most puzzling case. As we move into the American rivals, Pidgin gives us a rowdy adventure, showing immediately the differences between the British and American styles. 4 out of 5.
The Art of Forgery by Rodrigues Ottolengui
Mr. Mitchel is asked to help free a convicted forger before he is sentenced. By the victim’s daughter. A lucky choice, thanks to unusually cooperative lawyers and judge, as well as a logical explanation for the situation. 4 out of 5.
The Case of Helen Bond by Arthur B. Reeve
Craig Kennedy, assistant professor of chemistry, is determined to apply science to the detection of crime, taking his friend and roommate, reporter Walter Jameson, as his assistant. He decides his first case will be to investigate the death of John G. Fletcher to show the benefits of science. Detectives who take the law in their own hands, who mete out their own brand of justice, who decide who will be held to account and who won’t, are acceptable in fiction. Sometimes. However, Kennedy doesn’t seem to understand that his actions in this case will doom the marriage. Helen’s need for money, for status, for possessions, hasn’t changed, despite her love for Fletcher or her guilt over what happened. The use of forensics as it exited in that era was somewhat interesting, but the denouement hurt my already meager enjoyment. And, frankly, I didn’t find Kennedy to be an enjoyable character. 3 out of 5.
The Amateur by Richard Harding Davis
On the way to England, reporter and amateur detective Austin Ford is asked to help a fellow passenger find her missing husband, reportedly seen in London. Well, that didn’t go as expected. Very strange ending, if it can be considered an ending. 4 out of 5.
The Problem of Cell 13 by Jacques Futrelle
Professor Van Dusen, aka The Thinking Machine, accepts a challenge from his friends. He must escape from a cell used to confine murderers without using anything the normal prisoner wouldn’t have. First, a warning, there is violence to a rat within the story. It isn’t graphically dragged out, but it is there. This tale could be classified as a jail escape caper, based on the things the Professor does. While The Thinking Machine is anything but likeable, his methods are intriguing. (Frankly, Sherlock Holmes isn’t that likeable either, but John Watson makes him tolerable.) I did feel sorry for the poor warden. 4.5 out of 5.
The Angel of the Lord by Melville Davisson Post
Martin is only nine years old, but his father entrusts him with their money. The hope is that, even if he is robbed, he won’t be killed. I love a good western, but here we have a strong supernatural element. Dix is a suitably creepy and frightening villain. I can’t help but wonder why Abner’s righteous vengeance was held back. 4 out of 5.
The Wire-Devil by Francis Lynde
The report of a train wreck has all hands racing to the rescue, only to find their help isn’t needed. A series of false reports have been coming over the company telegraph. It is up to chemist Calvin Sprague to turn his scientific observation skills to the matter before a real tragedy occurs. The scene of the train racing to the rescue was thrilling, so very well written. This may be my favorite story to date. 5 out of 5.
Philo Gubb’s Greatest Case by Ellis Parker Butler
Decorator and mail-order detective Philo Gubb has been hired to investigate the death of Henry Smitz by both his widow and the accused murderer. Definitely one of the weirdest detective stories that I’ve ever read! 3 out of 5.
The Lost Diamonds by W. S. Hayward
The Duke of Rustenburgh is fanatical about the collecting gems. When some disappear at the same time as his valet, suspicion falls on him. But there is one person who is suspicious of the obvious. This story begins a new section: Female of the Species. To be honest, despite knowing the section this was in, it wasn’t obvious that the detective was a woman until we saw her interaction with young Jack Doyle. The first person account is well-written, the mystery already revealed, yet still needing the conclusion. 3.5 out of 5.
The Unknown Weapon by Andrew Forrester
Squire Petleigh ahd no interest in anything beyond his collection of silver plate, ignoring his son’s upbringing, refusing to spend any more money than forced to in maintaining his estate. Running wild, the young man poaches, steals, bets on horses, all in order to obtain money and something to do. Then young Graham Petleigh is found dead. I got so bored, so fast with this. I rarely DNF, especially with short stories and novellas (which is what this particular story is), but after a WEEK of struggling to make it through, I gave up. DNF
The Diary of Anne Rodway by Wilkie Collins
Young Mary Mallinson has had a wretched life and expects it to end just as wretchedly. Anne Rodway tries to boost her friend’s spirits without success. When Mary’s insensible body is brought back to the boarding house, Anne begins questioning the circumstances. I have a love/hate relationship with Collins. When he’s good, he’s brilliant. But at times he lets his narrative run away from his control. Not here. We have a tender romance, a tragic death, a determined friend, all beautifully rendered. 4.5 out of 5.
How He Cut His Stick by M. McDonnell Bodkin
Dora Myrl is brought in to investigate and clear junior bank clerk Jim Pollack of theft charges. With Jim assisting her, Dora works the case. A pretty little tale in which the men calmly accept a woman’s ability without hesitation. So much so that I had to look up the date of publication, which was 1890, a time referred to as the Gay 90s, a time when women were beginning to branch out from marriage and motherhood. There was a fierce bicycle chase as well. Overall a great adventure! 4.5 out of 5
The Man with the Wild Eyes by George R. Sims
Dorcas Dene had become a private investigator to support her family after her artist husband went blind. She’s been called to help discover who attacked Maud Hargreaves. Her father knows she is lying when she claims it was a tramp. Be prepared. This has horrible editing with missing letters, incorrect words, and mangled sentences. As a former proofreader and copy editor, it drove me nuts! It does get better once you’re into the story more. This was a bit too tragic romance for my taste, plus we only have glimpses of Dorcas in action. A most unusual husband, unconcerned about his wife traveling alone or with another man. Decent writing. 3.5 out of 5.
The Golden Slipper by Anna Katherine Green
Violet Strange is asked to save the reputation of Alicia Driscoll. Every party or event Alicia and her four friends attend usually ends with an article of value missing. While anonymously returned shortly thereafter, rumors have swept through their society with the focus of suspicion falling on Alicia. The quality of writing is impeccable, but I found it all to be trying. Nothing seemed settled. The whole mystery could’ve been more interesting. Not enthused. 3.5 out of 5.
Mandragora by Richard Marsh
An overheard conversation and a chance meeting lead Miss Judith Lee to help clear an innocent man. Judith appears to enjoy eavesdropping, but it has stood her well in this case. While confronting the villain might have been foolish, she managed to save herself when attacked. Through the use of jiu-jitsu! A little too coincidental, but fun to read nonetheless. 4 out of 5.
The Murder at Troyte’s Hill by C. L. Pirkis
Miss Loveday Brooke has been requested by the Newcastle Constabulary to assist with a murder investigation. Griffith needs someone inside the Craven house. A frightening murderer sliding ever deeper into insanity. Loveday came very close to never leaving the house alive. 4 out of 5.
I have to admit that I skipped the Homage and Satire section. Frankly it was more satire than homage, and as a diehard Sherlock Holmes fan, I just couldn’t do it.
Subtitled “A Collection of Victorian Tales”. Forty stories ranging from those published just before Sir Arthur Conan Doyle shared the first Holmes story through those published during the same period. Tales from the U. K. and America, female detectives as well as authors, homages and satires, this collection has it all.
A fantastic collection that I highly recommend to anyone who loves detective stories, who loves Sherlock Holmes and wants to see the effect he had on others, as well as anyone who has an interest in Victorian fiction. 4 out of 5.
The Purloined Letter by Edgar Allan Poe
(C. Auguste Dupin 3) Monsieur G---, Prefect of the Parisian Police, comes to consult with C. Auguste Dupin regarding a stolen letter that must be retrieved. As a huge fan of both Poe and Doyle, I can easily recognize what Doyle “borrowed” from Poe’s Dupin and what he improved. The mystery is a clever little puzzle, but Dupin is an asshat, someone I want to smack. Hard. Repeatedly. 4 out of 5.
Three Detective Anecdotes by Charles Dickens
Inspector Wield relates two tales of cases he was involved with, while Sergeant Dornton shares the third. We begin with “The Pair of Gloves”, a possibly important clue to the identity of a murderer. In “The Artful Touch”, Wield is impressed by Sergeant Witchem’s actions during the takedown of a thief. Finally, in “The Sofa”, someone stealing from medical students. The setup in the first tale was quite a sucker punch. Funny as well. Witchem is the type of character that makes you want to know more. Finally, we have some old-fashioned police work by Sgt. Dornton in the last story. Personally, I found this to be too short, not something usually said about Dickens, one of my favorite authors. 3.5 out of 5.
The Little Old Man of Batignolles by Emile Gaboriau
Subtitled “A Chapter of a Detective’s Memoirs”. A manuscript left with the Petit Journal gives a closer look at the work of the police detectives, the struggles, the successes and defeats. The narrator, a medical student, finds himself curious about his neighbor, a man with peculiar habits. More than a short story, more novella length. An interesting story about a young medical student’s introduction to the world of crime and the men who search for the guilty. 4 out of 5.
Thou Art the Man by Mary Elizabeth Braddon
When Captain Charles Bywater finally returned from the war, he wanted to see Helen Leeworthy and reveal his love for her. Unfortunately, Helen had disappeared five years earlier. Charlie, knowing deep inside that she’s dead, is on the hunt for the killer. Part mystery, part gothic thriller, all engrossing. I’ve never read this author before despite my love for Victorian era authors. Might need to explore some more of her work. Braddon has taken murder, mourning, and revenge, whipping them into a great story. 4.5 out of 5.
The Great Ruby Robbery by Grant Allen
Wealthy American Persis Remanet’s magnificent ruby necklace disappears. Is the thief her penniless Irish beau, her hostess’ unusually somber maid, or a complete stranger? Detective Gregory is on the case. A surprising culprit, a happy ending for two lovers, and a real mystery all combined into a delightful read. 4 out of 5.
The Lenton Croft Robberies by Arthur Morrison
Private detective Martin Hewitt had been hired due to a series of jewelry robberies at Lenton Croft, home of Sir James Norris. Hewitt is a most interesting character; one I want to read more about. A search must be undertaken. 4 out of 5.
The Duchess of Wiltshire’s Diamonds by Guy Boothby
Simon Carne came to London from India to visit the Earl of Amberley. He rents a place next to renowned investigator Klimo. Then the famous Wiltshire diamonds are stolen. I can’t go into too much detail because it will ruin the story, but I will say that this was definitely different. Think Raffles or the Saint rather than Sherlock Holmes. Hilarious and interesting, a fun read. Almost a caper story. Really, really would like to know the backstory about the mysterious Liz, and not just because we have the same first name. 4.5 out of 5.
The Mystery of the Felwyn Tunnel by L. T. Meade & Robert Eustace
John Bell is pulled away from his experiments to investigate the death of Prichard, a night signalman, and hopefully clear Stephen Wynne, the man arrested for murder. Obviously I wondered if Bell’s name was a deliberate call to Joseph Bell or purely coincidental. The mystery was intriguing, the solution unusual. I almost guessed what was happening, but not quite. Well done. 4 out of 5.
The Case of Oscar Brodski by R. Austin Freeman
A usually careful thief finds an irresistible temptation on his doorstep, one that drives him to murder. Although I’ve long been aware of Thorndyke, I’ve read few of the stories. There is a dryness to both the character and the stories that never appealed to me. Still don’t. However, the early use of science and forensics is fascinating. 3.5 out of 5.
The Coin of Dionysius by Ernest Bramah
Carlyle, an inquiry agent, needs to discover whether a particular coin is counterfeit. He is directed to Wynn Carrados, an amateur expert. Little did they realize that not only do they know each other, but may have a future partnership. A blind detective uses his heightened senses to make up for the loss of sight. An interesting partnership is beginning. 4 out of 5.
A Hunt for a Murderer by Dick Donovan
A young police officer hopes to prove himself by catching a hardened and vicious cop killer. A bit racist (“a Jew crimp”), surprisingly the first that I’ve encountered in this collection, but sadly not that unusual for the time period. An exciting manhunt in the marshes. 3.5 out of 5.
The Tragedy of a Third Smoker by C. J. Cutcliffe Hyne
Two men are alone in a smoking compartment. When they arrive at the station, one is dead and the other is arrested for the murder, despite claiming innocence. I found the solution to be a bit trite and the narrative rather unengaging. 3 out of 5.
The Green-Stone God and the Stockbroker by Fergus Hume
An amateur helps the police when evidence points to the wrong man in a brutal murder. Our unnamed detective was unusual in his acceptance of a woman who solved the crime. 4 out of 5.
The Contents of the Coffin by J. S. Fletcher
After John Barr is convicted of embezzlement without recovery of the money, the bank manager hires Archer Dawe to watch John’s brother, his suspected partner. An interesting caper story from an outsider’s perspective. 3.5 out of 5.
Sir Gilbert Murrell’s Picture by Victor L. Whitechurch
Thorpe Hazell is called in when a train car disappears, then reappears in a station the train never stopped at. The art contained in the carriage initially appeared undisturbed. Hazell is one strange amateur detective. Quirky is okay in a main character, but this guy is beyond weird. 3 out of 5.
The Hundred Thousand Dollar Robbery by Hesketh Prichard
When a bank in Quebec is robbed by one of their employees, November Joe is brought in to track the thief and find the missing money. An interesting manhunt in the bush of Canada. 4 out of 5.
The Hammer of God by G. K. Chesterton
Lecherous Colonel Norman Bohun is killed, but by who? The husband has an unbreakable alibi. The wife doesn’t have the strength. And the nephew is mentally deficient, so if he is the guilty party, he can never be held responsible. I don’t know why, but Father Brown stories have never appealed to me. I find them slow and the characters, even Brown himself, boring and uninteresting. How Father Brown decided to handle the murderer also made no sense to me. Sorry, did not care for this at all. 3 out of 5.
The Riddle of the 5:28 by T. W. Hanshew
A dead man is discovered in a locked train compartment. Was it suicide or murder? Cleek has little doubt. A fascinating mystery with a most unusual detective in Cleek, a former cracksman. 4 out of 5.
The Affair of the Double Thumb Print by Charles Felton Pidgin
Quincy Adams Sawyer had always been fascinated by police work from high school. Now he’s a private detective with friends and contacts all over the city, from the police to the lowest criminals. Police Inspector Gates brings him a most puzzling case. As we move into the American rivals, Pidgin gives us a rowdy adventure, showing immediately the differences between the British and American styles. 4 out of 5.
The Art of Forgery by Rodrigues Ottolengui
Mr. Mitchel is asked to help free a convicted forger before he is sentenced. By the victim’s daughter. A lucky choice, thanks to unusually cooperative lawyers and judge, as well as a logical explanation for the situation. 4 out of 5.
The Case of Helen Bond by Arthur B. Reeve
Craig Kennedy, assistant professor of chemistry, is determined to apply science to the detection of crime, taking his friend and roommate, reporter Walter Jameson, as his assistant. He decides his first case will be to investigate the death of John G. Fletcher to show the benefits of science. Detectives who take the law in their own hands, who mete out their own brand of justice, who decide who will be held to account and who won’t, are acceptable in fiction. Sometimes. However, Kennedy doesn’t seem to understand that his actions in this case will doom the marriage. Helen’s need for money, for status, for possessions, hasn’t changed, despite her love for Fletcher or her guilt over what happened. The use of forensics as it exited in that era was somewhat interesting, but the denouement hurt my already meager enjoyment. And, frankly, I didn’t find Kennedy to be an enjoyable character. 3 out of 5.
The Amateur by Richard Harding Davis
On the way to England, reporter and amateur detective Austin Ford is asked to help a fellow passenger find her missing husband, reportedly seen in London. Well, that didn’t go as expected. Very strange ending, if it can be considered an ending. 4 out of 5.
The Problem of Cell 13 by Jacques Futrelle
Professor Van Dusen, aka The Thinking Machine, accepts a challenge from his friends. He must escape from a cell used to confine murderers without using anything the normal prisoner wouldn’t have. First, a warning, there is violence to a rat within the story. It isn’t graphically dragged out, but it is there. This tale could be classified as a jail escape caper, based on the things the Professor does. While The Thinking Machine is anything but likeable, his methods are intriguing. (Frankly, Sherlock Holmes isn’t that likeable either, but John Watson makes him tolerable.) I did feel sorry for the poor warden. 4.5 out of 5.
The Angel of the Lord by Melville Davisson Post
Martin is only nine years old, but his father entrusts him with their money. The hope is that, even if he is robbed, he won’t be killed. I love a good western, but here we have a strong supernatural element. Dix is a suitably creepy and frightening villain. I can’t help but wonder why Abner’s righteous vengeance was held back. 4 out of 5.
The Wire-Devil by Francis Lynde
The report of a train wreck has all hands racing to the rescue, only to find their help isn’t needed. A series of false reports have been coming over the company telegraph. It is up to chemist Calvin Sprague to turn his scientific observation skills to the matter before a real tragedy occurs. The scene of the train racing to the rescue was thrilling, so very well written. This may be my favorite story to date. 5 out of 5.
Philo Gubb’s Greatest Case by Ellis Parker Butler
Decorator and mail-order detective Philo Gubb has been hired to investigate the death of Henry Smitz by both his widow and the accused murderer. Definitely one of the weirdest detective stories that I’ve ever read! 3 out of 5.
The Lost Diamonds by W. S. Hayward
The Duke of Rustenburgh is fanatical about the collecting gems. When some disappear at the same time as his valet, suspicion falls on him. But there is one person who is suspicious of the obvious. This story begins a new section: Female of the Species. To be honest, despite knowing the section this was in, it wasn’t obvious that the detective was a woman until we saw her interaction with young Jack Doyle. The first person account is well-written, the mystery already revealed, yet still needing the conclusion. 3.5 out of 5.
The Unknown Weapon by Andrew Forrester
Squire Petleigh ahd no interest in anything beyond his collection of silver plate, ignoring his son’s upbringing, refusing to spend any more money than forced to in maintaining his estate. Running wild, the young man poaches, steals, bets on horses, all in order to obtain money and something to do. Then young Graham Petleigh is found dead. I got so bored, so fast with this. I rarely DNF, especially with short stories and novellas (which is what this particular story is), but after a WEEK of struggling to make it through, I gave up. DNF
The Diary of Anne Rodway by Wilkie Collins
Young Mary Mallinson has had a wretched life and expects it to end just as wretchedly. Anne Rodway tries to boost her friend’s spirits without success. When Mary’s insensible body is brought back to the boarding house, Anne begins questioning the circumstances. I have a love/hate relationship with Collins. When he’s good, he’s brilliant. But at times he lets his narrative run away from his control. Not here. We have a tender romance, a tragic death, a determined friend, all beautifully rendered. 4.5 out of 5.
How He Cut His Stick by M. McDonnell Bodkin
Dora Myrl is brought in to investigate and clear junior bank clerk Jim Pollack of theft charges. With Jim assisting her, Dora works the case. A pretty little tale in which the men calmly accept a woman’s ability without hesitation. So much so that I had to look up the date of publication, which was 1890, a time referred to as the Gay 90s, a time when women were beginning to branch out from marriage and motherhood. There was a fierce bicycle chase as well. Overall a great adventure! 4.5 out of 5
The Man with the Wild Eyes by George R. Sims
Dorcas Dene had become a private investigator to support her family after her artist husband went blind. She’s been called to help discover who attacked Maud Hargreaves. Her father knows she is lying when she claims it was a tramp. Be prepared. This has horrible editing with missing letters, incorrect words, and mangled sentences. As a former proofreader and copy editor, it drove me nuts! It does get better once you’re into the story more. This was a bit too tragic romance for my taste, plus we only have glimpses of Dorcas in action. A most unusual husband, unconcerned about his wife traveling alone or with another man. Decent writing. 3.5 out of 5.
The Golden Slipper by Anna Katherine Green
Violet Strange is asked to save the reputation of Alicia Driscoll. Every party or event Alicia and her four friends attend usually ends with an article of value missing. While anonymously returned shortly thereafter, rumors have swept through their society with the focus of suspicion falling on Alicia. The quality of writing is impeccable, but I found it all to be trying. Nothing seemed settled. The whole mystery could’ve been more interesting. Not enthused. 3.5 out of 5.
Mandragora by Richard Marsh
An overheard conversation and a chance meeting lead Miss Judith Lee to help clear an innocent man. Judith appears to enjoy eavesdropping, but it has stood her well in this case. While confronting the villain might have been foolish, she managed to save herself when attacked. Through the use of jiu-jitsu! A little too coincidental, but fun to read nonetheless. 4 out of 5.
The Murder at Troyte’s Hill by C. L. Pirkis
Miss Loveday Brooke has been requested by the Newcastle Constabulary to assist with a murder investigation. Griffith needs someone inside the Craven house. A frightening murderer sliding ever deeper into insanity. Loveday came very close to never leaving the house alive. 4 out of 5.
I have to admit that I skipped the Homage and Satire section. Frankly it was more satire than homage, and as a diehard Sherlock Holmes fan, I just couldn’t do it.
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