Friday, September 2, 2016

The April Robin Murders by Craig Rice and Ed McBain: A review by Warren Bull

The April Robin Murders by Craig Rice and Ed McBain: A review by Warren Bull

Published in 1958, The April Robin Murders by Craig Rice and Ed McBain is the third in a series of novels. Craig Rice AKA Georgiana Ann Randolph Craig wrote the first two without a co-author. When the book came out Craig Rice was the first author mentioned. Other names she wrote under are Daphne Sanders and Michael Venning. She was also George Sanders’ ghostwriter.

Bingo Riggs and Handsome Kusak were street photographers. After some success, in earlier books, they moved to Hollywood to become rich and famous. Bingo was sure something would come along to make that happen before their stash ran out. Handsome trusted his partner, the brains of the duo.
Looking for a map to Movie Stars homes, they happen upon a friendly guy who has a sweet deal to offer on an empty, spooky mansion once owned by silent movie great April Robbins. They can’t resist the offer. Later they also take a lease on office property along sunset strip. Along the way they meet other nice people. Some have been accused of murder. Some seem to actually be murderers since bodies start to pile up along the way. With Bingos schemes and Handsome’s photographic memory, they stumble along toward a happy ending.

This is a fun read, sort of a madcap comedy that could be made into a movie as four of her novels were. Of course, she also wrote scripts, plays and short stories. For light entertainment and amusement this is well worth your time.


5 comments:

  1. Such great character names - Bingo and Handsome - straight out of Guys and Dolls. Love these reviews, Warren, keep them coming.

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  2. I second Shari - keep the reviews coming. I always learn something new.

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  3. I third. So interesting. I remember some of the books from my grandparents' bookshelves.

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  4. I fourth. I wonder if I could still order some of these books online or get them from a library.

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  5. I wonder if we could get those fun names past an editor these days?

    Gloria, interlibrary loan is a wonderful thing. In my state (Pennsylvania) there's no charge, and I can't remember ever having requested something and not having it turn up eventually.

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