Sunday 8 May 2022
Jonathan Burke - Echo of Barbara - Mystery Book Guild - 1959
Jonathan Burke - Echo of Barbara - Mystery Book Guild - 1959
John Frederick Burke wrote under a variety of names, some being variations on his real name and others not.
In his writing career he turned his hand to psychological thrillers and suspense stories, science fiction, travel and numerous novelisations of films and TV programmes, notably Jason King, The Protectors and The Bill.
I assume he is the same Jonathan Burke that wrote the Sexton Blake Library story Corpse to Copenhagen.
I have to say E of B was a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
Although there is some action, the strength of the book is mainly in the portrayals of particular characters and how they became who they are. This is most notable with the character of former prostitute Paula Hastings, hired to impersonate the daughter of gangster Sam Westwood. While her character could easily alienate the reader and appear either objectionable or pitiful, in fact she comes across as neither of those things.
Inevitably, not all characters can be fully developed, but we do get an insight into Sam himself, newly released from prison and questioning who he really is.
I would have to say that Sam`s dialogue is too articulate to be quite convincing. A good example is when he talks of wartime pilots deriving "a certain aesthetic satisaction" from their work and compares his own past to theirs as it included ordering the deaths of "men and women...against whom you have no personal antipathy". I don`t doubt such a character would think like that, but to express it in those words ? Hardly.
That aside, I thought this was a remarkable book by which I feel quite sure I will return to again and again.
Friday 6 May 2022
J V Turner - Below the Clock - Collins Crime Club - 2018 - The Detective Story Club
J V Turner - Below the Clock - Collins Crime Club - 2018
Reprint of book first published in 1936
In the Detective Club/Detective Story Club series
The author also wrote as Nicholas Brady and David Hume. John (Jack) Victor Turner was his real name.
I can imagine that this book, describing the murder of a Chancellor of the Exchequer that actually takes place in the House of Commons (he dies whilst making a Budget speech) may have been controversial in it`s day, particularly since we soon learn that the Chancellor was far from being a model citizen.
The murder is investigated by eccentric Solicitor Amos Petrie and an increasingly care-worn detective, Chief Inspector Ripple.
Some amusement is provided by Petries` nonchalant approach to dealing with both Politicians and his investigative sidekick, but the author wisely avoids turning it into a comedy.
There are enough twists and turns to the plot to keep even the most ardent lover of old-style detective fiction happy, though it`s maybe a touch disappointing that our intrepid duo make a major breakthrough in the case simply because of a chance encounter with a character that has not previously appeared in the book, and who plays no major part thereafter.
Having said that, overall it was an enjoyable and absorbing read. Destined to become a personal favourite.