Thirty Days Hath September . . .

THE 31st OF FEBRUARY.
By Julian Symons.
Harper's.
1951. 201 pages. $2.50

Excerpt from Martin Edwards's review (DO YOU WRITE UNDER YOUR OWN NAME?, 24 July 2009):

Symons was an extremely skilled plotter, but he was much more interested in the psychology of crime than many of his predecessors. Ingenuity is put to the service of delineation of character, and the creation of a brooding atmosphere.

Other opinions:

This is perhaps the book that Symons is best known for, but I didn't enjoy it as much as some of his others. 'A Three Pipe Problem' was better. — Cindy

Symons does a good job of getting into the head of a man under pressure. — Nancy

A mean-spirited book with a sour taste. — Robin Winter

A contemporary view (THE SATURDAY REVIEW, February 3, 1951):

Anderson's wife falls to death; then changing calendars, anonymous letters, and anonymous treachery haunt him while Scotland Yard sniffs at his heels. - Sharp satire on English version of advertising game; terror mixed with waspish humor to a breathless denouement. - Verdict: Superior.

For more about the book and its author go here and here.

Adapted for THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK HOUR in 1963.

Category: Detective fiction