Reviews for Great detectives

The average rating for Great detectives based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2011-05-25 00:00:00 Robert Ginter ***REVIEW INCOMPLETE*** GREAT DETECTIVES, Julian Symons, 1981 subtitled: "Seven Investigations", illustrated by Tom Adams [illustrated short story/article anthology - A/4.5] A beautifully illustrated, large-sized book filled with stories and/or articles about seven of the most famous fictional detectives as per Julian Symons, with the help of illustrator Tom Adams. many beautiful pictures, and one long story or article each concerning Miss Jane Marple, Sherlock Holmes, Philip Marlowe, Ellery Queen, Inspector Maigret, Hercule Poirot, and Nero Wolfe. Snappy writing, great pix. 1. Sherlock Holmes: "How a Hermit was Disturbed in his Retirement" ' a young lady seeks his help - shades of Laurie King! - 2. Miss Jane Marple: "About Miss Marple and St. Mary Mead" ' Miss Jane remembered, by the vicar, a nice "stroll" through the village reminiscing 3. Nero Wolfe: "In which Archie Goodwin Remembers" ' 4. Ellery Queen: "Which Expounds the Ellery Queens Mystery" ' 5. Inspector Maigret: "About Maigret and the Stolen Papers" ' 6. Hercule Poirot: "The Life of Hercule Poirot - based on the notes of Captain Arthur Hastings" ' 7. Philip Marlowe: "About the Birth of Philip Marlowe" ' Also includes "Notes to the Investigations" - the articles are heavily footnoted and carefully referenced; and includes complete bibliographies for each detective as of 1981. A very thoughtful - and funny - compilations of varying styles and methods of both writing and detection. Tour de force. 2011

Review # 2 was written on 2016-01-20 00:00:00 Alexis Bigley The title is misleading -- there really are only two investigations. The others are merely fake bios and conjectures of famous fictional sleuths. Extensive bibliography -- but superfluous for fans of these detectives since you really have to be deeply into them in order to figure out what's going on. The Nero Wolfe was especially disappointing since it teased but did not deliver. I liked the Sherlock Holmes and Maigret stories, though. But the main reason I gave this two stars is are the wonderful illustrations. How good are they? Two pages are ripped out of the Marlowe section in my Library book (I did NOT do it.) So someone found it worth stealing. I especailly appreciated the Sherlock Holmes illustrations, since they were affectionately based on Sidney Paget's.