Nicks` Cabinet of Curios

Eric Ambler (ed) - Great Cases of Scotland Yard ; Volume One - Reader`s Digest - 1993   Reprint of book first published in 1978 Contents ;  Thomas Neill Cream, Poisoner - Elizabeth Jenkins Flannel Foot - Michael Innes The Strange Case of Stanley Setty - Andrew Garve  The Portland Spy Case - Ludovic Kennedy Clive Egleton - The Stealing of Muriel McKay The story of five historical crime cases told by popular writers of the day.  Generally, a very absorbing and satisfying read. The first three cases were very much my kind of thing and I enjoyed them immensely. I am not particularly keen on espionage stories, whether fact or fiction, but in fact Ludovic Kennedy`s account of the Portland Spy Case was fascinating  and very enjoyable. I was surprised to find that I was not so keen on the Muriel McKay kidnapping case, which is odd as  it`s a case that I`ve read about before and one that generally interests me. I`d have to also add that while the author quotes ...

  Anthony Berkeley -The Silk Stocking Murders - Collins Crime Club/The Detective Club - 2007 "A Roger Sheringham Detective Novel"  2007 reprint of book first published in 1928 It is a while since I read this. I usually like to review books promptly after reading them but in this case real life got in the way.  I remember this as an intelligent and ingenious novel, that I enjoyed very much.  It is said that the central character has may of the attributes of the author himself. I mention this is there ae two female characters, either of whom could very easily have taken on the role off the detective`s sidekick. Considering they are relatively minor characters, the author seems to go to some length to portray them, which made me wonder if they were based on women he knew.  I personally did work out the identity of the villain of the piece, which I actually found a bit disappointing. When I was younger I tended to be quite pleased if I could solve the case correctly...

  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 thin...

  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, thou...