A Gentleman Called

ISBN: 0-7887-2041-4 Order from: Recorded Books

An old-fashioned mystery, this is a solid, brief investigation filled with conventional but well-polished characters.

Reviewed by David on January 04, 2003

Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of A Gentleman Called.

Two threads interleave in this old-fashioned mystery. Attorney Jim Jarvis undertakes defending Teddy Adkins in a paternity suite. Teddy is scion of a wealthy and eccentric family, and Teddy, while very polite, is no less eccentric, and Jim has his hands full getting the truth about his client's affair.

Meanwhile, the attorney's friend and occasional colleague, the District Attorney's senior investigator tries to get to the bottom of a puzzling murder.

As the two men, and Jarvis' housekeeper, the irrepressible Mrs. Norris, get to the bottom of these mysteries, more and more puzzling facts emerge.

Full Review: This is an old-fashioned mystery, recognized as a classic by many. The old-fashioned narrative has both advantages and disadvantages. The plot is tight, spending little time on elaboration of personal histories or tangents. The pace is consistent, and progress is steady. The reader can guess the resolution early on, but the details emerge slowly, as the characters uncover evidence and make logical connections.

Many elements are sktched, both characters and details of investigations. Many of the actors are stereotyped, but even for those the author demonstrates skill in using humor and brief but polished descriptions that solidify them in reader's mind.

This old-fashioned mystery is enjoyable. The reader rarely feels a deep emotional attachment to the characters, but they are sympathetic, and the intellectual puzzles satisfying.

Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 5; Style: 6; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 5.5;

ISBN: 0-7887-2041-4 Order from: Recorded Books