What do you think?
Rate this book
All I Needed to Know I Learned From Columbo
Detective stories are fun and interesting, but as Adam Graham writes, they also have a lot to teach us about life.
Join podcaster Adam Graham on this fun journey through the annals of detective fiction as he examines the history and career of seven of the greatest detectives from literature, radio,
Join podcaster Adam Graham on this fun journey through the annals of detective fiction as he examines the history and career of seven of the greatest detectives from literature, radio,
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2011
11 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 21, 2014
Ok, so I'm sure I've said over and over again (enough to irritate anyone who listens) that I am a HUGE fan of Mystery. I've seen every Columbo episode/movie there is. Same with Murder, She Wrote. I love Sherlock Holmes ANYTHING. I am 20 episodes away from finishing the entire series of the original Hawaii Five-O. Agatha Christie is one of my all-time favorite actors - so, yes, I not only know who Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple are, but I love them love them love them. Midsomer Murder - amazing show!! I've been told that certain aspects of my personality are very, um, Adrian Monk. Nero Wolfe - great mix of culinary and mystery. I could go on, but then I would forget why I'm here in the first place...
My point of all that is - that's what made me pick up the book. Adam, you had me at "Columbo."
This is an awesome self-help book. I love that he explains who the different investigators (for lack of a better word) are for those who have no clue - and the things that he learned from each one of these guys makes so much sense. Then, when we get to the end, the "conclusion," he sums it all up beautifully.
Fun little book that you can learn a lot from.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
My point of all that is - that's what made me pick up the book. Adam, you had me at "Columbo."
This is an awesome self-help book. I love that he explains who the different investigators (for lack of a better word) are for those who have no clue - and the things that he learned from each one of these guys makes so much sense. Then, when we get to the end, the "conclusion," he sums it all up beautifully.
Fun little book that you can learn a lot from.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 23, 2011
Fiction is a fascinating teacher. Not only will every reader see something different but the same reader on different occasions will glean different messages. Sometimes a reader will even pick up on the ones the writer intended.
All I Needed to Know, I Learned from Columbo is a look at fictional detectives throughout the history of the genre and the lessons about life some of them had for us.
Each chapter takes a look at a different detective's origins and describes the qualities that made that character unique and entertaining. After this overview, Adam picks important features of that character's personality and explains their importance in our daily lives. He uses examples from the shows, stories, and novels to illustrate the point.
The character overviews are interesting in their own right. As much as I enjoy old mysteries, I hadn't heard of some of the detectives he picked for his work. These introductions helped me understand the later points.
Throughout the work, Adam uses a conversational tone that is easy to understand and demonstrates insight into the importance of the lessons to be gained from the way these fictional detectives lived.
All I Needed to Know, I Learned from Columbo is a look at fictional detectives throughout the history of the genre and the lessons about life some of them had for us.
Each chapter takes a look at a different detective's origins and describes the qualities that made that character unique and entertaining. After this overview, Adam picks important features of that character's personality and explains their importance in our daily lives. He uses examples from the shows, stories, and novels to illustrate the point.
The character overviews are interesting in their own right. As much as I enjoy old mysteries, I hadn't heard of some of the detectives he picked for his work. These introductions helped me understand the later points.
Throughout the work, Adam uses a conversational tone that is easy to understand and demonstrates insight into the importance of the lessons to be gained from the way these fictional detectives lived.
June 26, 2022
I’m a big mystery fan, and I knew all of the characters discussed in this book. I really enjoyed the author’s take on the characters, his analyses of each, and the concept of encapsulating what the reader can learn from them. By showing what lessons we can learn and how the lessons are different for each character, there is an added layer of analysis that not only shows just how truly unique the characters are but that also shows how rich understanding can be from reading a wide variety of mystery novels featuring different characters. This was an enjoyable read and an enjoyable walk down memory lane revisiting the old favorites.
December 10, 2024
This book feels like a combination of a box of delicious chocolates and a bundle of love letters dedicated to fictional detectives and those who love them. I can’t remember when I have enjoyed a book so much. :-)
January 13, 2019
You should also listen to his podcasts!
August 2, 2020
Fun and thought provoking
Came to this book after listening to the radio show. I wasn't disappointed. Colombo has always been my favourite !
Came to this book after listening to the radio show. I wasn't disappointed. Colombo has always been my favourite !
July 29, 2013
Other than being too short, and badly needing proof-reading, this is a good creative look at seven detectives from old-time radio and movies and TV. After a good overview of each detective, each chapter suggests one or more life-lessons these detectives can provide. I hope Adam has a sequel, including other detectives he didn't include here, but as an inexpensive e-book, the book does provide an hour or two of reading enjoyment, and some insights we may have overlooked in these entertaining characters. Readers would be well-advised to listen to Adam's daily podcast, "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio," 30 minutes a day listening again - or for the first time - some of radio's best shows.
May 1, 2014
All I Needed to Know, I Learned from Columbo by Adam Graham
Excellent examination of the strength, foibles, and life lessons from some of our favorite fictional characters. Graham captured the essence of each character, but from the point of view of what they have to teach us: “We'll learn time management from Nero Wolfe, clear thinking from Sherlock Holmes, devotion from Adrian Monk…” And we do. Graham takes us on a tour of the strengths and weaknesses of Sherlock Holmes, Nero Wolfe, Father Brown, Boston Blackie, Dan Holiday, Columbo, and Monk. The analysis is an enjoyable read, not just for detective novel readers, but for anyone as we are able to relate to the humanity in each character. Thoughtful, enjoyable read. (review copy)
Excellent examination of the strength, foibles, and life lessons from some of our favorite fictional characters. Graham captured the essence of each character, but from the point of view of what they have to teach us: “We'll learn time management from Nero Wolfe, clear thinking from Sherlock Holmes, devotion from Adrian Monk…” And we do. Graham takes us on a tour of the strengths and weaknesses of Sherlock Holmes, Nero Wolfe, Father Brown, Boston Blackie, Dan Holiday, Columbo, and Monk. The analysis is an enjoyable read, not just for detective novel readers, but for anyone as we are able to relate to the humanity in each character. Thoughtful, enjoyable read. (review copy)
August 9, 2016
This is a fun little book, with an interesting premise. It shares life lessons we can glean from famous fictional detectives. In the process, the author introduced me to detectives I hadn’t heard of before – I look forward to checking them out! I recommend this book as a fun, easy read.(I received a free copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews