The Laurel and Hardy Murders

Hilary Quayle Mysteries #4

by Marvin Kaye

The worst comic in New York is dead, and Hilary wants to know who gave him the hook

The Sons of the Desert are serious about comedy, fond of cocktails, and utterly devoted to the films of Laurel and Hardy. Their meetings are always merry, boozy romps, but the laughter dies whenever Wayne Poe takes the stage. A comic with bad timing, bad material, and a mean streak, he’s known for stealing jokes and getting nasty when they bomb—which is just about every time he steps into the spotlight. Wayne has been murdering comedy for years, and now someone has decided to return the favor. Press agent and occasional sleuth Hilary Quayle is at her first meeting of the Sons of the Desert, accompanied by her assistant, Gene, when Wayne unexpectedly takes his final bow. And while Hilary may not know much about Laurel and Hardy, only she has the wit to unmask the club member who’s looking to get the last laugh.

Genres: Mystery

179 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Marvin Nathan Kaye was an American mystery, fantasy, science fiction, horror author, anthologist, and editor. He was also a magician and theater actor. Kaye was a World Fantasy Award winner and served as co-publisher and editor of Weird Tales Magazine.

Reviews

[Hákon Gunnarsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure how to rate this book. For one thing I kind of like it, but it is a murder mystery and as such it fails. It is very slow to start, the murder takes place almost at the halfway mark, and even though it picks up the pace during the second half, it never become very exciting in any way.

It is told with an amiable humor, not side splitting, not lough out loud, but entertaining. I can honestly say it never bores me, and I have even read it twice, but it gets more smiles that laughs. Still, it is not the humor that I like the most about this book.

I'm a fan of old time movies. What's more, Laurel and Hardy rank very high on my list of favorites among the comedians of the first half of 20th century. The great duo aren't relevant to the plot themselves, but they get talked about quite a bit, along with others from that era. There is something in the way the author treats this subject that brought me back to it again, even though I knew it's not terribly great mystery. I just like reading because of its tone and subject matter.

[Allyson Dyar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many decades ago, I had read a book in the series concerning the death of an actor during a production of The Scottish Play.

This time, Hiliary becomes involved with a murder during a Sons of the Desert, a Laurel and Hardy appreciation association, meeting. Despite not being allowed to join (it was men-only), she works with her secretary/lover to uncover the killer's identity.

I'm not a big fan of Laurel and Hardy's work, but having worked on many Star Trek conventions in the 1970s, I could really appreciate the behind the scenes of running the local organization as the Sons of the Desert is a real organization.

The story is chock full of seriously eccentric characters and it's a trip down memory lane for those of us who remember some of the actors who starred with Laurel and Hardy.

And the mystery is pretty good as well.

This story may not be for everyone but I really enjoyed it.

A solid 5 stars -- looking forward to reading more books in the series as soon as the price becomes more reasonable.

[Dick Baldwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My friend and fraternal brother from the Sons of the Desert wrote this during the absolute golden days of the organization. I give it three stars because while it is an enjoyable read, you would have had to be there to really appreciate all the in-jokes and references. I have a cameo in the book, and one of the characters was based on some of my attributes as pool-partner to Marvin against Al Kilgore and Alan Barbour at the tables in the Lamb's Club bar, where the Sons met in those dim and dusky days. This edition's cover cannot hold a candle to the original with art by Kilgore; if you want this book, check ebay for an early edition because the cover is part of the fun.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great murder mystery by Marvin Kaye. With this book we learn about Laurel and Hardy and their followers. Great Stuff