Thomas Chastain (1921–1994)

This isn't one of Erle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason's. This is written by Thomas Chastain and based on the Perry Mason books. I have read another mystery by him, "Where The Truth Lies" that was written with Helen Hayes, and enjoyed it so thought I'd give this a try!

It was enjoyable, but I could tell that it wasn't Gardner's writing.

In this book, Paul Drake Jr. is filling the shoes of his father as Perry's detective. Della is still his secretary, but there are changes in a number of the other characters. It is 20 years later, so it should be no surprise.

A well-known L.A. business man is seen killing a dinner companion at the restaurant they are dining at. When the police arrive at the business man's home to arrest him they find the man is dead. His wife has just arrived before the police, and of course the police make her suspect number one.

During the investigation, it is found that the businessman, Gil Adrian, has a bit of a shady background. A date book is found in his desk and the appointments aren't the same as the ones in the date book on the desk. What is he hiding?

There are the twists and turns, and the reading is good, but it isn't Perry Mason. Still.....I love to read and I did enjoy this book.… (mer)

Se trata de un libro de suspense cargado de asesinatos donde la familia Robins iba decreciendo de forma preocupante. La particularidad era que cada capítulo se planteaba como un juego frente al lector, pues siempre aparecía un cadáver (uno de los pobres integrantes de la familia Robins) y el lector debía de intentar desentramar al final de cada relato todas las incógnitas: el nombre del asesino, el lugar del homicidio, el modo, el cuándo y el por qué. Las soluciones venían todas al final del libro. Era como estar leyendo a Agatha Christie pero con un montón de lagunas entorno a cada asesinato.… (mer)