camerontrost's review
2.0
This is undeniably a mammoth book, but it was lacking in truly great detective stories; you know what I mean, the kind that focus on a mystery and provide clues which will enable the astute and imaginative reader to have a crack at solving it. With a title like "The Mammoth Book of Great Detective Stories" and a total of twenty-six tales, the mystery fan expects clues, red herrings, and twists and turns galore. In fact, there were only a few captivating tales, so I can't give the anthology more than 2/5 stars overall.
Here are the contributions that I think are worth mentioning:
Margaret Coles' story was the standout murder mystery, including a great setting, clues, and even a map, while Leslie Charteris and Freeman Wills Crofts offered thought-provoking howdunnits, one involving a child's toy and the other a murder on a train. Dulcie Gray and June Thomson provided tales of psychological suspense, exploring the murderous mind, and Dorothy Sayers took us on an action-packed adventure with Lord Peter Wimsey.
Twenty-six
Here are the contributions that I think are worth mentioning:
Margaret Coles' story was the standout murder mystery, including a great setting, clues, and even a map, while Leslie Charteris and Freeman Wills Crofts offered thought-provoking howdunnits, one involving a child's toy and the other a murder on a train. Dulcie Gray and June Thomson provided tales of psychological suspense, exploring the murderous mind, and Dorothy Sayers took us on an action-packed adventure with Lord Peter Wimsey.
Twenty-six
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