All Reviews by albiorix
The Tiger's Eye
by L. Frank Baum
This short children's tale is mildly entertaining and a quick read. Along the lines of, but not nearly as engaging as, Kipling's Jungle Books, the story is about a vengeful magician forced to become an eye. He brings spite and anger to all who must see through the eye.
The Case of the Registered Letter
by G.I. Colbron and A. Groner
As with many other Detective Muller mysteries, the story is pretty good but the mystery leaves something to be desired. In this book he does not solve a mystery at all, he merely predicts an outcome a day or two early. An OK story, since it's short, but mystery fans may prefer Christie's Poirot much more.
The Case of the Pool of Blood in the Pastor's Study
by G.I. Colbron and A. Groner
While an enjoyable story the mystery is somewhat wanting, the suspects predictable and the main character development is mediocre.
The Pit Prop Syndicate
by Freeman Wills Crofts
This is Crofts' third novel and it's excellent! Mystery, suspense, murder and a bit of Grimm romance (man meets woman for five minutes and 'must' marry her), everything a great novel needs. The plot is well developed and keeps you guessing about the real ploy of the Syndicate. Subtle hints are provided along the way to encourage an astute reader to solve the mystery themselves. This book is in two parts, basically amateur and professional detection, the prior being more drama and the latter being more methodical detective work. The whole story is well conceived and a very enjoyable read for mystery fans.
O'Conors of Castle Conor, County Mayo
by Anthony Trollope
This is a humorous short story that is a witty, fun, quick read about Mr. Green and a night of mayhem at Castle O'Conor caused by the mistaken absence of his pumps (dancing shoes). Being cordially invited to an evening of dance Mr Green is dismayed that his only shoes, a pair of heavy hunting boots, will prevent an adequate performance on the dance floor. What is he to do? Trade shoes with the butler of course!
Murder!
by Arnold Bennett
This is a very short story and Bennett does a good job of developing the characters. The story is more about paranoia than anything else and if you're looking for a mystery look elsewhere, there is none here, but for a decent drama this book was pretty good.
The Murder at Jex Farm
by George Ira Brett
Murder at Jex Farm is a short mystery with a good story line. There is a mysterious murder and Inspector Battle is sent to solve the crime. The investigation is presented from Mr. Battle's perspective. But for the ending, which was rather vague and open-ended, this was a good, well thought out mystery.
The Tomb's Secret
by Robert E. Howard
This is a good period mystery from the early 20th century with the main character, Detective Rollins, playing the Bruce Willis Die Hard type. There is more action than mystery and the ending was rather uninspired, but the 'secret' was well conceived. A good premise mildly executed.