The Case of the
Hesitant Hostess by Erle Stanley Gardner: A review by Warren Bull
In the interest of full disclosure
I hereby admit this is the first novel by Erle Stanley Gardner that I have ever
read. I have, however, seen at
least a dozen black and white television episodes of the series Perry Mason that starred Raymond Burr as
the famous attorney.
The
Case of the Hesitant Hostess was first published in 1953. From reading it I
can understand why the author was so popular. He had honed his skills by writing
for the pulps. He was successful at churning out and selling tales that made up
in action for what they lacked in character development.
In the novel I read Perry Mason was
as much hard-boiled investigator as he was an attorney. The plot zings along as
the hero risks life and limb to defend an indigent client who was set up to
take the rap for crimes he did not commit. I am certain the standards of practice
of defense attorneys has changed from the time the novel was written. So
perhaps back then there were fewer blatant violations that would result in a
lawyer being disbarred than the half dozen or so that I noticed.
The author wrote to entertain and
to make money. This is definitely entertaining. I started and finished reading
in one day. I recommend it as entertainment.
I enjoyed the review, Warren, and of course, now have to go have a look for the book on Amazon. Sometimes I enjoy going backward in reading, leaning toward the past and stories that bring back memories. It says a lot that you read it in one day. Page-turners are a delightful escape :) Lo
ReplyDeleteAs a young man, 14/15, I must have read every Erle Stanley Gardner book I could get my hands on. Later, I watched the Perry Mason episodes religiously. Your blog reminded me of those times: scouring the book mobile shelves, looking for a Mason book I hadn't read yet, opening the book for the first time, and losing myself in his plots. Thanks for the memories.
ReplyDeleteI'd forgotten the Perry Mason series until I read this review. I watched many of the TV shows way back when they were popular. I don't think I've ever read Erle Stanley Gardner and enjoyed reading about him here.
ReplyDeleteErle Stanley Gardner always delivers a great read!
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