The Case of the Mythical Monkeys

Rating:
Summary: Irritating, unsatisfying Perry Mason mystery
Review: If you are a new reader to the Perry Mason series do not make this your starting point. I haven't read a Perry Mason mystery in more years than I care to count but I am still familiar with them. Looking for a good Mason case to read I was intrigued by the description provided for the book here. Don't be fooled! This is one of the most annoying books I have suffered through in some time. The plot begins well but too soon the characters all become sources of painful irritation. The normally lively banter between Mason and Tragg seems draggy and lifeless; the mystery is incredibly contrived and has too many plot conveniences; an ever astute Perry makes a simply unbelievable sighting of a key witness. Then, near the end of the book, two of the characters exhibit exasperating behavior that Gardner seems to believe adds to the readers enjoyment. It doesn't - it aggravates all the more! And finally the payoff isn't at all acceptable. I may return here to buy another Perry Mason book sometime in the future, but I won't be holding my breath until then.

Rating:
Summary: Irritating, unsatisfying Perry Mason mystery
Review: If you are a new reader to the Perry Mason series do not make this your starting point. I haven't read a Perry Mason mystery in more years than I care to count but I am still familiar with them. Looking for a good Mason case to read I was intrigued by the description provided for the book here. Don't be fooled! This is one of the most annoying books I have suffered through in some time. The plot begins well but too soon the characters all become sources of painful irritation. The normally lively banter between Mason and Tragg seems draggy and lifeless; the mystery is incredibly contrived and has too many plot conveniences; an ever astute Perry makes a simply unbelievable sighting of a key witness. Then, near the end of the book, two of the characters exhibit exasperating behavior that Gardner seems to believe adds to the readers enjoyment. It doesn't - it aggravates all the more! And finally the payoff isn't at all acceptable. I may return here to buy another Perry Mason book sometime in the future, but I won't be holding my breath until then.

Rating:
Summary: See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Say No Evil
Review: The title means a scarf printed with three monkeys, "see no evil, hear no evil, say no evil". It may not be a great Mason story, but a good, enjoyable Mason story. A very complicated story, involved with a organized crime and a secret investigation. Mason and a reader can't see what is all about until the near end. When Mason catches a glimpse of Lady Luck, he quickly grabs her hair to turn to him. I admire his vitality.

Rating:
Summary: See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Say No Evil
Review: The title means a scarf printed with three monkeys, "see no evil, hear no evil, say no evil". It may not be a great Mason story, but a good, enjoyable Mason story. A very complicated story, involved with a organized crime and a secret investigation. Mason and a reader can't see what is all about until the near end. When Mason catches a glimpse of Lady Luck, he quickly grabs her hair to turn to him. I admire his vitality.