Six by Carr

Curt Evans is the undisputed living expert on the Golden Age of Detection; here are snippets from several of his reviews of books by the undisputed expert of the Golden Age impossible crime story. Follow the links to the full articles.

HE WHO WHISPERS (1946):

A grand work. The opening of the book, where the visiting Professor Rigaud tells the tale of the murder on the tower, and the closing section, which tales place in an evocatively portrayed blitzed London, in particular are spectacular set pieces. — MYSTERY*FILE (1 June 2010)

Resources: BOOK - ONTOS.

THE MAN WHO COULD NOT SHUDDER (1940):

The murder method in 'Shudder' is, as usual with Carr, cleverly clued; and there’s the bonus as well of a triple twist solution. — MYSTERY*FILE (6 June 2010)

Resources: BOOK - REVIEW.

THE CORPSE IN THE WAXWORKS (1932):

It’s an effective tale, and it offers a nice break in style from many of the Fell and Merrivale stories. — MYSTERY*FILE (9 June 2010)

Resource: BOOK.

THE PROBLEM OF THE GREEN CAPSULE (1939):

Carr often coupled this talent for murder with a Christie-level skill at misdirection, which makes him a truly major figure of the period even if one doesn't like all his stylistic quirks. — MYSTERY*FILE (22 June 2010)

Resources: BOOK - REVIEW.

HE WOULDN'T KILL PATIENCE (1944):

There is some fine slapstick humor at Merrivale’s expense in the beginning of the tale, and he is in good form throughout it. The zoo setting is nicely none, amusing and sinister by turns, and it is merged with the the current London Blitz very effectively. — MYSTERY*FILE (30 June 2010)

Resources: BOOK - REVIEW.

THE READER IS WARNED (1939):

. . . the exuberant narrative is all John Dickson Carr. 'The Reader Is Warned' is one of Carr’s most brilliantly constructed and engagingly told detective novels. — MYSTERY*FILE (20 July 2010)

Resources: BOOK - REVIEW.

Category: Detective fiction