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Perry Mason #17
The Case of the Silent Partner
Successful florist Mildred Faulkner finds that the flower business is no bed of roses when arch-competitor Harry Peavis secretly buys stock in her small, family-owned corporation. While Peavis proposes a partnership, Mildred suspects he's really plotting a power play.So to keep the scurrilous shareholder from muscling her out, she seeks Perry Mason's expertise.
But even the legendary legal eagle may be stymied when Mildred's company is plundered by her ne'er-do-well brother-in-law to pay off a gambling debt. The money trail leads to a nightclub hostess and her boss. And when one is poisoned, and the other murdered, the trail of evidence leads right back to Mildred. Mason know the feisty florist is no shrinking violet...but does she have the pluck to be a cold-blooded killer?
But even the legendary legal eagle may be stymied when Mildred's company is plundered by her ne'er-do-well brother-in-law to pay off a gambling debt. The money trail leads to a nightclub hostess and her boss. And when one is poisoned, and the other murdered, the trail of evidence leads right back to Mildred. Mason know the feisty florist is no shrinking violet...but does she have the pluck to be a cold-blooded killer?
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1940
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About the author
Erle Stanley Gardner
1,350 books815 followersErle Stanley Gardner was an American lawyer and author of detective stories who also published under the pseudonyms A.A. Fair, Kyle Corning, Charles M. Green, Carleton Kendrake, Charles J. Kenny, Les Tillray, and Robert Parr.
Innovative and restless in his nature, he was bored by the routine of legal practice, the only part of which he enjoyed was trial work and the development of trial strategy. In his spare time, he began to write for pulp magazines, which also fostered the early careers of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. He created many different series characters for the pulps, including the ingenious Lester Leith, a "gentleman thief" in the tradition of Raffles, and Ken Corning, a crusading lawyer who was the archetype of his most successful creation, the fictional lawyer and crime-solver Perry Mason, about whom he wrote more than eighty novels. With the success of Perry Mason, he gradually reduced his contributions to the pulp magazines, eventually withdrawing from the medium entirely, except for non-fiction articles on travel, Western history, and forensic science.
See more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erle_Sta...
Innovative and restless in his nature, he was bored by the routine of legal practice, the only part of which he enjoyed was trial work and the development of trial strategy. In his spare time, he began to write for pulp magazines, which also fostered the early careers of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. He created many different series characters for the pulps, including the ingenious Lester Leith, a "gentleman thief" in the tradition of Raffles, and Ken Corning, a crusading lawyer who was the archetype of his most successful creation, the fictional lawyer and crime-solver Perry Mason, about whom he wrote more than eighty novels. With the success of Perry Mason, he gradually reduced his contributions to the pulp magazines, eventually withdrawing from the medium entirely, except for non-fiction articles on travel, Western history, and forensic science.
See more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erle_Sta...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 10, 2018
The seventeenth novel in Erle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason series stands out in some respects from the other eighty-four books in the series. Most importantly, this is the book that finally introduces Lieutenant Tragg of Homicide, who will become Mason's principal adversary on the police force from now on.
Previously, Mason's foil in the police department had been the bumbling Sergeant Holcomb. Holcomb was a very physical guy who often attempted to get his way by pushing people around. He wasn't above manipulating evidence if he thought it would improve his chances of making a case, and he really wasn't very bright. Mason generally ran circles around him without even breaking a sweat.
Gardner apparently decided that Mason needed a more worthy adversary and so introduced Tragg who in many ways is Holcomb's polar opposite. He uses his brains rather than his physical strength. He's clever, soft spoken and is able to sneak up on a suspect and get him or her in hot water before the suspect even realizes what has happened. He and Mason respect each other and Tragg always plays above board. But he's bright and determined, and Mason will have to step up his game a bit after dealing with Holcomb.
This story is also a bit unique in that it takes a while for Mason to finally appear. Most of these novels begin with a potential client showing up at Perry's office looking to retain his services and so Mason is most often present from the very first page. In this case, though, there's quite a bit of activity before Mason steps into the situation.
Also, Mason's detective, Paul Drake, basically has no role in this book. Mason calls him and asks him to run down some information for him, but otherwise he does not appear. Finally, unlike most of the other books in the series, there's only one very minor court scene in this book. Mason demonstrates his brilliance, not by cross examining witnesses and pulling a rabbit out of a hat in the courtroom, but rather by doing his own detecting and solving the case himself.
The case involves a woman named Mildred Faulkner who owns and operates three successful flower shops. Her partner in the stores is her sister, Carlotta, but Carlotta has been ill and out of action for several months, leaving Mildred to run things by herself. Mildred and Carlotta own all the stock in the corporation, save for a few shares that they gave to an early employee. Now, one of their competitors has managed to get his hands on those shares and intends to use them to chisel his way into their business.
Obviously concerned, Mildred goes to see Carlotta. Her sister's affairs are now being handled by her husband, Bob, who Mildred never liked. Bob is an irresponsible lout who plays the horses and who may be playing around on his sick wife, but Carlotta is blinded by love and can't see through Bob the way Mildred does.
Mildred tells Bob that she want's Carlotta's stock certificates so that she can take all the certificates to a lawyer and attempt to deal with the threat to her company. But Bob weasels around and Mildred suddenly realizes that he may have turned Carlotta's certificates over to a gambler as collateral for a debt. Now thoroughly panicked, Mildred contacts Perry Mason and gets him on the case. But before you can say, "Della Street," somebody's dead and Mildred is in even more trouble than she could have possibly imagined. We can only hope that Mason will be able to save the day.
This is one of the better books in the series and it moves along at a good pace. It's nice to finally have Lieutenant Tragg on the job and watching him and Mason match wits through the rest of the books is one of the pleasures of the series. A fun reread.
Previously, Mason's foil in the police department had been the bumbling Sergeant Holcomb. Holcomb was a very physical guy who often attempted to get his way by pushing people around. He wasn't above manipulating evidence if he thought it would improve his chances of making a case, and he really wasn't very bright. Mason generally ran circles around him without even breaking a sweat.
Gardner apparently decided that Mason needed a more worthy adversary and so introduced Tragg who in many ways is Holcomb's polar opposite. He uses his brains rather than his physical strength. He's clever, soft spoken and is able to sneak up on a suspect and get him or her in hot water before the suspect even realizes what has happened. He and Mason respect each other and Tragg always plays above board. But he's bright and determined, and Mason will have to step up his game a bit after dealing with Holcomb.
This story is also a bit unique in that it takes a while for Mason to finally appear. Most of these novels begin with a potential client showing up at Perry's office looking to retain his services and so Mason is most often present from the very first page. In this case, though, there's quite a bit of activity before Mason steps into the situation.
Also, Mason's detective, Paul Drake, basically has no role in this book. Mason calls him and asks him to run down some information for him, but otherwise he does not appear. Finally, unlike most of the other books in the series, there's only one very minor court scene in this book. Mason demonstrates his brilliance, not by cross examining witnesses and pulling a rabbit out of a hat in the courtroom, but rather by doing his own detecting and solving the case himself.
The case involves a woman named Mildred Faulkner who owns and operates three successful flower shops. Her partner in the stores is her sister, Carlotta, but Carlotta has been ill and out of action for several months, leaving Mildred to run things by herself. Mildred and Carlotta own all the stock in the corporation, save for a few shares that they gave to an early employee. Now, one of their competitors has managed to get his hands on those shares and intends to use them to chisel his way into their business.
Obviously concerned, Mildred goes to see Carlotta. Her sister's affairs are now being handled by her husband, Bob, who Mildred never liked. Bob is an irresponsible lout who plays the horses and who may be playing around on his sick wife, but Carlotta is blinded by love and can't see through Bob the way Mildred does.
Mildred tells Bob that she want's Carlotta's stock certificates so that she can take all the certificates to a lawyer and attempt to deal with the threat to her company. But Bob weasels around and Mildred suddenly realizes that he may have turned Carlotta's certificates over to a gambler as collateral for a debt. Now thoroughly panicked, Mildred contacts Perry Mason and gets him on the case. But before you can say, "Della Street," somebody's dead and Mildred is in even more trouble than she could have possibly imagined. We can only hope that Mason will be able to save the day.
This is one of the better books in the series and it moves along at a good pace. It's nice to finally have Lieutenant Tragg on the job and watching him and Mason match wits through the rest of the books is one of the pleasures of the series. A fun reread.
June 12, 2019
“Criminal attorney Perry Mason is one of the characters most recognized by Americans (of the middle of the twentieth century) who read Erle Stanley Gardner or listened to the Perry Mason radio show or watched Raymond Burr play him on television. Gardner was an even more prolific writer than Rex Stout and that is saying a lot!” from my review of The Case of the Demure Defendant https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Here, Mason is initially consulted by an owner of several floral shops about an attempted takeover. There is a lot about voting shares, board of directors meetings, etc. Yes, there is a murder and Perry insists (as usual) that to save his accused client he must identify the real murderer, not just establish “reasonable doubt.”
This case has a very interesting vibe to it. Part of that is because of the introduction of Lt. Tragg of L.A. homicide. Part of that is because of the cooperation between Mason and Tragg at the outset. Part is because of the small business focus of the plot. Part is because of how different the L.A. of the 1940s is from how that city is eighty years in the future.
Author Gardner was an attorney and an expert in criminal law. His plots are always 99.44% legally and factually accurate. This includes the law, criminal procedure, policing, courtroom dynamics and characterization. The Case of the Silent Partner is one of his best, with the following cultural observations.
• Everyone smokes….frequently and in almost any situation
• Women are mostly in stereotypical roles of sexual attractors, helpmates or subservient friends
• Los Angeles is so much smaller a metroplex that it is easy to get “out in the sticks” from downtown in far less than an hour
• Crime seems more individual than organized, even for gambling
• Communication is so much different, including how and where to find a phone
This book marked a watershed for Perry Mason because instead of facing a paper tiger police stooge, Lt. Tragg becomes a wily and dogged adversary. Mason, is cautioned by his secretary/assistant, Della Street, that he better not cut any corners in criminal defense or Tragg will hang him out to dry. Garner takes on this burden in many of the novels coming after this one. For those who enjoy the regulars, there is no Hamilton Burger and Mason talks but once (over the phone) to P.I. Paul Drake.
This book is a fast read. If you choose the Brilliance Audio version, it is read by Alexander Cendese who is quite adequate in terms of putting inflection into his reading but somewhat lacking in making his male characters sound distinctly different and not any better with his female characterizations.
Here, Mason is initially consulted by an owner of several floral shops about an attempted takeover. There is a lot about voting shares, board of directors meetings, etc. Yes, there is a murder and Perry insists (as usual) that to save his accused client he must identify the real murderer, not just establish “reasonable doubt.”
This case has a very interesting vibe to it. Part of that is because of the introduction of Lt. Tragg of L.A. homicide. Part of that is because of the cooperation between Mason and Tragg at the outset. Part is because of the small business focus of the plot. Part is because of how different the L.A. of the 1940s is from how that city is eighty years in the future.
Author Gardner was an attorney and an expert in criminal law. His plots are always 99.44% legally and factually accurate. This includes the law, criminal procedure, policing, courtroom dynamics and characterization. The Case of the Silent Partner is one of his best, with the following cultural observations.
• Everyone smokes….frequently and in almost any situation
• Women are mostly in stereotypical roles of sexual attractors, helpmates or subservient friends
• Los Angeles is so much smaller a metroplex that it is easy to get “out in the sticks” from downtown in far less than an hour
• Crime seems more individual than organized, even for gambling
• Communication is so much different, including how and where to find a phone
This book marked a watershed for Perry Mason because instead of facing a paper tiger police stooge, Lt. Tragg becomes a wily and dogged adversary. Mason, is cautioned by his secretary/assistant, Della Street, that he better not cut any corners in criminal defense or Tragg will hang him out to dry. Garner takes on this burden in many of the novels coming after this one. For those who enjoy the regulars, there is no Hamilton Burger and Mason talks but once (over the phone) to P.I. Paul Drake.
This book is a fast read. If you choose the Brilliance Audio version, it is read by Alexander Cendese who is quite adequate in terms of putting inflection into his reading but somewhat lacking in making his male characters sound distinctly different and not any better with his female characterizations.
August 14, 2018
I'm so behindhand with my reviews. Summer madness or what?
Still, very briefly, I love this Perry Mason book where Lt. Arthur Tragg gets introduced, though I missed Paul Drake.
Otherwise the usual stuff: great plotting, red herrings & excitement aplenty.
Still, very briefly, I love this Perry Mason book where Lt. Arthur Tragg gets introduced, though I missed Paul Drake.
Otherwise the usual stuff: great plotting, red herrings & excitement aplenty.
July 14, 2020
ESG does not dissapoint. Towards the end of this book I accurately solved the case; except I'm not sure if that wasn't the exact moment ESG wanted the light bulb to go on. The more I think about it the more I believe the latter.
It's been about a year since I last read a Perry Mason novel. The HBO series currently running prompted me to continue my in sequence reading of these. I'll withhold my opinion of the HBO series with the exception of saying so far it is a Perry Mason that bears little resemblance to the person I'm reading about in ESG's books. He's not even a lawyer.
Lt. Tragg is now in the house! He makes his first appearance in this book. Hamilton Burger entered last book but was not in this one. He'll be back. Tragg is bought in as a worthy foil for Perry. He's very competent and not at all like the cloddish Sgt. Holcomb that preceded him. Now all the elements of the classic Perry are in place. It will only get better.
It's been about a year since I last read a Perry Mason novel. The HBO series currently running prompted me to continue my in sequence reading of these. I'll withhold my opinion of the HBO series with the exception of saying so far it is a Perry Mason that bears little resemblance to the person I'm reading about in ESG's books. He's not even a lawyer.
Lt. Tragg is now in the house! He makes his first appearance in this book. Hamilton Burger entered last book but was not in this one. He'll be back. Tragg is bought in as a worthy foil for Perry. He's very competent and not at all like the cloddish Sgt. Holcomb that preceded him. Now all the elements of the classic Perry are in place. It will only get better.
September 19, 2015
Hardly any court scene in this one. It was a pure suspence. First one at that. Very interesting at that. Another variance is the civil proceeding at that. I don't think Mason has appeared in a civil suit in any other case.. Haven't read all. Till now, this is a first at that too.
March 27, 2017
Gostei do livro, embora não fosse tão bom como a maioria dos outros livros que li do autor.
December 27, 2015
No, but first we must discuss the cover. A sultry but coy redhead in pool party attire, a stern male in a polo shirt crouching next to her, and a barbecue in the background. I don't know who these people are, but they sure aren't in this book. I think the 1962 publisher just told the illustrator, "Hey, Mason ya know, give me something hot and broody. No need to actually read the thing."
Meanwhile, back in 1940 Los Angeles, there is a lot of shenanigans going on regarding some missing stock and poisoned candy. The culprits are pulled out of the hat at the end, as Gardner does so well, so that's fun. I'm knocking it down a star, however, since Paul Drake only gets to answer two phone calls. Instead Mason pairs up with his frenemy Lt. Tragg, of the (assumably) LAPD. Not on, Mason. *gives disapproving glare*
Meanwhile, back in 1940 Los Angeles, there is a lot of shenanigans going on regarding some missing stock and poisoned candy. The culprits are pulled out of the hat at the end, as Gardner does so well, so that's fun. I'm knocking it down a star, however, since Paul Drake only gets to answer two phone calls. Instead Mason pairs up with his frenemy Lt. Tragg, of the (assumably) LAPD. Not on, Mason. *gives disapproving glare*
April 8, 2020
This is one of the weakest Perry Mason stories. It opens with Mildreth Faulkner, the successful owner of a small set of flower shops being approached by Harry Peavis, a ruthless competitor. Mildreth’s sister Carla is co-owner of the shops with the exception of a small number of shares of the company stock. When the company was formed, they needed three people to have the necessary number on the board. Carla has a severe heart condition and her husband Bob is unreliable and a gambler.
Bob is in an auto accident and the story he tells is not accurate. Furthermore, at the time of the accident, a woman named Esther was a passenger in Bob’s car. She works as a hostess in a nightclub and the owner/managers of that club have connections to Peavis. This creates a significantly large set of potential perps when a man is shot and killed where the small number of outstanding shares of stock are involved.
Mason is retained by Mildreth to represent Carla, so Mason has to walk a fine line in his dealings on the case, for Mildreth does a few questionable things, including meeting Esther at the nightclub. The story moves along, setting up clues that point to several possible shooters. However, none of them is really set up well, the distractors are not as strong as they usually are in a Mason story.
The strong point of this story is that Mason meets Lieutenant Tragg and they cooperate in the case. Tragg is the replacement for Holcomb, an officer that Mason ran rings around. This is a better premise than the usual antagonistic relationship between Mason and the police. However, that is not enough to elevate this story.
Bob is in an auto accident and the story he tells is not accurate. Furthermore, at the time of the accident, a woman named Esther was a passenger in Bob’s car. She works as a hostess in a nightclub and the owner/managers of that club have connections to Peavis. This creates a significantly large set of potential perps when a man is shot and killed where the small number of outstanding shares of stock are involved.
Mason is retained by Mildreth to represent Carla, so Mason has to walk a fine line in his dealings on the case, for Mildreth does a few questionable things, including meeting Esther at the nightclub. The story moves along, setting up clues that point to several possible shooters. However, none of them is really set up well, the distractors are not as strong as they usually are in a Mason story.
The strong point of this story is that Mason meets Lieutenant Tragg and they cooperate in the case. Tragg is the replacement for Holcomb, an officer that Mason ran rings around. This is a better premise than the usual antagonistic relationship between Mason and the police. However, that is not enough to elevate this story.
September 11, 2024
This was a bit of a departure from the previous books. The first couple chapters follow the owner of a flower shop and Perry Mason is only a mention. This means the reader is in possession of more knowledge than Mason, at least for a little while. When Mason does enter the story, he actually calls on Lieutenant Tragg for help, even letting the Lieutenant take the lead. This is not normal. But the biggest departure from the norm is that Paul Drake was not even in this book. He gets a phone call and that's about it.
This may not be my favorite Perry Mason but I like when an author tries something new. It helps you learn more about the main characters. I am curious to see what the author will do with Tragg in future books. I am also curious to see if he goes back to the status quo in the next book. I miss Drake!
This may not be my favorite Perry Mason but I like when an author tries something new. It helps you learn more about the main characters. I am curious to see what the author will do with Tragg in future books. I am also curious to see if he goes back to the status quo in the next book. I miss Drake!
March 13, 2022
Another great Perry Mason novel! This is the story that introduces Lt. Tragg. He's quite a different representation that the one on TV.
Great mystery, characters, and build-up.
Gardner has a distinct voice and feel in his books. His language usage is different. Where Dashille Hammett is more from the street, Gardner is more proper.
I love both, just noting the different.
Great mystery, characters, and build-up.
Gardner has a distinct voice and feel in his books. His language usage is different. Where Dashille Hammett is more from the street, Gardner is more proper.
I love both, just noting the different.
June 27, 2019
DNF at 40%
This book is just not for me. The writing isn't the best and every clue for the mystery is just showcased so dramatically that it's ridiculous. And the characters don't have anything about them other than the mystery.
This book is just not for me. The writing isn't the best and every clue for the mystery is just showcased so dramatically that it's ridiculous. And the characters don't have anything about them other than the mystery.
April 6, 2019
“The Case of the Silent Partner”
The action is fast paced. I read it in several hours one night. I could not put the book down. I kept thinking, I’d stop at the end of the chapter, but then when that was reached the plot and characters propelled me to continue reading. A definite sign of a good book.
The plot has an immediacy and tension that propels it forward; this quality is sadly missing from its visual cousin the television shows. The storyline is easy to follow. There are enough characters to make the plot interesting but not too many to overwhelm one with. Some nice twists and a resolution that slowly unravels take the reader on a carefully scripted pleasant ride.
There is the requisite murder, and a slew of people who wanted the deceased dead; some are wealthy society types, others were less respectable. There were the typical Perry Mason, Sam Spade detective sort complete with the expected underworld style antagonist. Then there was the definitive detective action: Mr. Mason “… scraped a match on the sole of his shoe …” Cliché now, but maybe when the book was written not so much so.
One can tell the time period by the wording. One of the women mentions that it would be difficult for her to get a job as she doesn’t “know shorthand or typing”. One of the men stated that he needed to “… step on the throttle …”; he was speaking of the gas pedal in a car, not a control of an airplane.
There were some very nicely formed sentences that made reading this book a joy. One in particularly was: “The road up Lilac Canyon wound like a sinuous snake, twisting and turning. Side roads meandered …”
Character interactions were revealing. The communication between Lt. Tragg and Mr. Mason explained a symbiosis that neither the television series nor the made for movies delved into. Their exchange added depth to the characters and their relationship. It was well worth reading the novel just for this backstory.
The connection between Della Street and Perry Mason was also given a much different interpretation. Watching the series, and then the later movies, I often wondered about the bond between the two. Erle Stanley Gardner’s books placed both these people in a much more intimate relationship. “He kissed her tenderly, then hungrily…” certainly not the behavior between boss and secretary that we were used to seeing on the small screen.
Some may wonder why I have rated this book as high as I have considering there are some outdated issues with the book. But, the problems with the book have nothing to do with the writing. The wording and action were probably consistent for the time period that this book was written; it is just that, as an almost eighty-year-old book, some of the dialogue and action was not relevant to our current lives. This peculiarity may take some readers out of the story; it did for me. Again, this is not the fault of the author but of our having read this book decades after its significance had worn off.
But, if you like a glimpse into a by-gone era and are up for some nostalgia this story might be a good place to start. It is a light read that holds ones attention.
I would recommend this book.
The action is fast paced. I read it in several hours one night. I could not put the book down. I kept thinking, I’d stop at the end of the chapter, but then when that was reached the plot and characters propelled me to continue reading. A definite sign of a good book.
The plot has an immediacy and tension that propels it forward; this quality is sadly missing from its visual cousin the television shows. The storyline is easy to follow. There are enough characters to make the plot interesting but not too many to overwhelm one with. Some nice twists and a resolution that slowly unravels take the reader on a carefully scripted pleasant ride.
There is the requisite murder, and a slew of people who wanted the deceased dead; some are wealthy society types, others were less respectable. There were the typical Perry Mason, Sam Spade detective sort complete with the expected underworld style antagonist. Then there was the definitive detective action: Mr. Mason “… scraped a match on the sole of his shoe …” Cliché now, but maybe when the book was written not so much so.
One can tell the time period by the wording. One of the women mentions that it would be difficult for her to get a job as she doesn’t “know shorthand or typing”. One of the men stated that he needed to “… step on the throttle …”; he was speaking of the gas pedal in a car, not a control of an airplane.
There were some very nicely formed sentences that made reading this book a joy. One in particularly was: “The road up Lilac Canyon wound like a sinuous snake, twisting and turning. Side roads meandered …”
Character interactions were revealing. The communication between Lt. Tragg and Mr. Mason explained a symbiosis that neither the television series nor the made for movies delved into. Their exchange added depth to the characters and their relationship. It was well worth reading the novel just for this backstory.
The connection between Della Street and Perry Mason was also given a much different interpretation. Watching the series, and then the later movies, I often wondered about the bond between the two. Erle Stanley Gardner’s books placed both these people in a much more intimate relationship. “He kissed her tenderly, then hungrily…” certainly not the behavior between boss and secretary that we were used to seeing on the small screen.
Some may wonder why I have rated this book as high as I have considering there are some outdated issues with the book. But, the problems with the book have nothing to do with the writing. The wording and action were probably consistent for the time period that this book was written; it is just that, as an almost eighty-year-old book, some of the dialogue and action was not relevant to our current lives. This peculiarity may take some readers out of the story; it did for me. Again, this is not the fault of the author but of our having read this book decades after its significance had worn off.
But, if you like a glimpse into a by-gone era and are up for some nostalgia this story might be a good place to start. It is a light read that holds ones attention.
I would recommend this book.
April 17, 2020
I've been reading Gardner's Perry Mason books for many years. I love the general setting: the characters of Perry, Della, Paul, Lt. Tragg, and Hamilton Burger. That, and the ingenious plots, are why I read Perry Mason.
On the whole, the ones written by about 1953 are the best. This is the seventeenth one, from 1940. By this point, Perry was no longer the hard boiled aggressive ingenious fighter. He (and Gardner) were a bit more relaxed, a bit more mature. This is the first story with Lt. Tragg. He is introduced in a sympathetic manner. No doubt Gardner took some heat in having Sgt. Holcomb be a bit of an oafish villain in earlier stories. Tragg is the new educated kind of policeman.
In the opening we meet Mildreth Faulkner, owner of three flower shops. Harry Peavis, who owns most of the flower shops in the city, comes to tell her he has acquired five shares in her business. This is a big surprise, as all the shares are privately held. She and her sister each own about half of them, and there is one small block of five shares that they had given to another woman because of a technicality, that the board of directors had to have three people. But Harry Peavis managed to take over those five shares. He says he will be her "silent partner." Mildreth sees this as a threat to her business -- which it is. Worried, she phones Perry Mason, talks to Della, and arranges an appointment for the next day.
Then she visits her sister Carlotta who has been ill with a heart condition. Carlotta married a man named Bob Lawley, who is a ne'er-do-well, a stock character in the Perry Mason opus. He manages her money and gambles with it. Did Bob give away Carlotta's shares as collateral for a gambling debt? Yes, and the gambler, one Harvey Lynk, is in touch with Harry Peavis. Peavis may soon have controlling interest in the Faulkner flower shops! "Silent partner" indeed!
Due to the coincidence of a car accident (I dislike plots that hinge on a coincidence) Mildreth learns the specifics of the gambling and goes to visit the night club casino run by Harvey Lynk. She learns that a young woman named Esther Dilmeyer, who works there, was used as a lure to get Bob Lawley to gamble. Also involved is her boy friend, one Sindler Coll. Mildreth talks to Esther and befriends her. Now even more worried, Mildreth calls Della again and arranges a hasty midnight meeting with Perry. She convinces Esther to be there too.
But then a lot of things happen quickly. Perry is at his office around 11:30 when Esther calls saying she has been drugged by eating chocolates someone sent her! She passes out before Perry can learn her address. He calls up Lt. Tragg (who happens to be available -- how likely is that?) and the two of them manage to figure out where Esther lives. This is the sort of thing that in other books would have been left to Paul Drake, but Drake is scarcely mentioned in the entire book. So they find her and Perry gets her to a hospital under the care of a doctor he knows. Meanwhile, Mildreth Faulkner seems to be missing for a while. Then someone murders Harvey Lynk at his cabin in a remote canyon! Was it Meredith? Or maybe Carlotta? How about Bob Lawley? Later on this very busy night Perry speaks to both Mildreth and Carlotta. Carlotta admits that she was at Lynk's cabin. She says he was already dead. She picked up there the stock certificate that her husband Bob had been forced to give to Lynk for gambling. Perry takes the stock, then stashes her away in a hotel under an assumed name.
There is no murder trial, but there is a trial of a civil suit. Harry Peavis sues Perry, claiming that the stock is rightfully his because Lynk was his agent. It's an interesting trial!
I don't want to give away any spoilers, but the part about Esther Dilmeyer being drugged by tainted chocolates is an important point in the plot, and it doesn't seem real. It's hard to think that in real life someone would try to implement this scenario.
This is not a spoiler: fairly early on Perry calls Mildreth at her home. Someone answers and says Mildreth is not home. Who was that person?
Recurring themes: Ingenious subterfuges. Della runs a neat trick and almost gets caught.
No Hamilton Burger, nor any DA, though an assistant is mentioned briefly.
There is no special emotional kick at the end. Perry and Della do a lot of flirting. Essentially no Paul Drake at all -- Tragg does the investigating and obligingly tells a lot to Perry.
On the whole, this is an average Perry Mason story from this era.
Characters who we meet:
Mildreth Faulkner, owner of three flower shops.
Harry Peavis, owns most of the flower shops in the LA area, is interested in Mildreth Faulkner.
Carlotta, sister of Mildreth, has heart trouble.
Lois Carling, young employee of Mildreth at the flower shop.
Bob Lawley, husband of Carlotta, has a lot of idle time on his hands.
Esther Dilmeyer, hostess at the Golden Horn night club.
Sindler Coll, boy friend of Esther.
Harvey Lynk, co-owner of the Golden Horn
Clint Magard, co-owner of the Golden Horn
On the whole, the ones written by about 1953 are the best. This is the seventeenth one, from 1940. By this point, Perry was no longer the hard boiled aggressive ingenious fighter. He (and Gardner) were a bit more relaxed, a bit more mature. This is the first story with Lt. Tragg. He is introduced in a sympathetic manner. No doubt Gardner took some heat in having Sgt. Holcomb be a bit of an oafish villain in earlier stories. Tragg is the new educated kind of policeman.
In the opening we meet Mildreth Faulkner, owner of three flower shops. Harry Peavis, who owns most of the flower shops in the city, comes to tell her he has acquired five shares in her business. This is a big surprise, as all the shares are privately held. She and her sister each own about half of them, and there is one small block of five shares that they had given to another woman because of a technicality, that the board of directors had to have three people. But Harry Peavis managed to take over those five shares. He says he will be her "silent partner." Mildreth sees this as a threat to her business -- which it is. Worried, she phones Perry Mason, talks to Della, and arranges an appointment for the next day.
Then she visits her sister Carlotta who has been ill with a heart condition. Carlotta married a man named Bob Lawley, who is a ne'er-do-well, a stock character in the Perry Mason opus. He manages her money and gambles with it. Did Bob give away Carlotta's shares as collateral for a gambling debt? Yes, and the gambler, one Harvey Lynk, is in touch with Harry Peavis. Peavis may soon have controlling interest in the Faulkner flower shops! "Silent partner" indeed!
Due to the coincidence of a car accident (I dislike plots that hinge on a coincidence) Mildreth learns the specifics of the gambling and goes to visit the night club casino run by Harvey Lynk. She learns that a young woman named Esther Dilmeyer, who works there, was used as a lure to get Bob Lawley to gamble. Also involved is her boy friend, one Sindler Coll. Mildreth talks to Esther and befriends her. Now even more worried, Mildreth calls Della again and arranges a hasty midnight meeting with Perry. She convinces Esther to be there too.
But then a lot of things happen quickly. Perry is at his office around 11:30 when Esther calls saying she has been drugged by eating chocolates someone sent her! She passes out before Perry can learn her address. He calls up Lt. Tragg (who happens to be available -- how likely is that?) and the two of them manage to figure out where Esther lives. This is the sort of thing that in other books would have been left to Paul Drake, but Drake is scarcely mentioned in the entire book. So they find her and Perry gets her to a hospital under the care of a doctor he knows. Meanwhile, Mildreth Faulkner seems to be missing for a while. Then someone murders Harvey Lynk at his cabin in a remote canyon! Was it Meredith? Or maybe Carlotta? How about Bob Lawley? Later on this very busy night Perry speaks to both Mildreth and Carlotta. Carlotta admits that she was at Lynk's cabin. She says he was already dead. She picked up there the stock certificate that her husband Bob had been forced to give to Lynk for gambling. Perry takes the stock, then stashes her away in a hotel under an assumed name.
There is no murder trial, but there is a trial of a civil suit. Harry Peavis sues Perry, claiming that the stock is rightfully his because Lynk was his agent. It's an interesting trial!
I don't want to give away any spoilers, but the part about Esther Dilmeyer being drugged by tainted chocolates is an important point in the plot, and it doesn't seem real. It's hard to think that in real life someone would try to implement this scenario.
This is not a spoiler: fairly early on Perry calls Mildreth at her home. Someone answers and says Mildreth is not home. Who was that person?
Recurring themes: Ingenious subterfuges. Della runs a neat trick and almost gets caught.
No Hamilton Burger, nor any DA, though an assistant is mentioned briefly.
There is no special emotional kick at the end. Perry and Della do a lot of flirting. Essentially no Paul Drake at all -- Tragg does the investigating and obligingly tells a lot to Perry.
On the whole, this is an average Perry Mason story from this era.
Characters who we meet:
Mildreth Faulkner, owner of three flower shops.
Harry Peavis, owns most of the flower shops in the LA area, is interested in Mildreth Faulkner.
Carlotta, sister of Mildreth, has heart trouble.
Lois Carling, young employee of Mildreth at the flower shop.
Bob Lawley, husband of Carlotta, has a lot of idle time on his hands.
Esther Dilmeyer, hostess at the Golden Horn night club.
Sindler Coll, boy friend of Esther.
Harvey Lynk, co-owner of the Golden Horn
Clint Magard, co-owner of the Golden Horn
October 7, 2023
Great book, bizarre blurb
The protagonist in this book’s name is Mildreth, not Mildred, so it’s a little bizarre to read the wrong name on the blurb. It’s even stranger because it’s clear that “Mildreth” isn’t a typo—the woman is complimented on having a pretty name, which is far less likely had the woman actually been called “Mildred,” because Mildred is (or at least was, then) a very common name, while Mildreth is/was not. It’s doubtful that Gardner intended to call attention to a common name; what’s more likely is that the name is a combination of Mildred and Meredith, which is clearly uncommon, and thus, more likely to be commented upon in the book’s text. Moreover, prior to chapter one, Gardner’s “Cast of Characters” page spells the name (Mildreth) properly.
The obvious error in the blurb is not fault of the book or its author, however, and this book is a very pleasurable read. In particular, this book is the series’ first introduction to a very critical character in the Mason Mysteries—the one member of law enforcement for whom Mason not only tends to deeply respect (which is mutual), but a man who is smart, articulate, and elegant enough as to almost be what Mason would be , were he on the police force—Lieutenant Arthur Tragg. In many respects, Tragg is the yin to Mason’s yang (or vice versa), because, like Mason, Tragg doesn’t do everything strictly by the book, is highly intelligent, and is genuinely more interested in solving a mystery than securing a conviction. Tragg’s erudite manner, his quick-wittedness, and his willingness to take risks that many officers would not, make this book (and the series, which is made better for Tragg’s being a central part of it) highly enjoyable. Tragg is, using photography lingo, like the negative, where Mason is the print (or vice versa).
The story itself is immensely enjoyable, particularly with the historical setting, where night clubs are more than meets the average eye, and the average eye misses so very much of the reality, because the illusion created by the club is so well done.
It’s also refreshing to see an intelligent, independent intelligence woman seem to do very well in a realm that, particularly at the time, was solely the province of men. At the same time, Mildreth is kind, loyal, attractive, and lovely. I found myself rooting for her, despite the fact that her role in this book is to protect others, rather than be concerned about her own needs—-until a potential romantic prospect (and there seem to be no shortage of those) attempts to win her heart by taking over her business. Her astuteness and dialogue are refreshing, and the setting is particularly an enjoyable one.
Many, if not most of the men are cads in this book, and sadly, most of them may not suffer many (or any) consequences for being that way, but it’s impossible not to cheer for the daring, enterprising, and clever women in this book. It’s one I’ve returned to often, which I read with great enjoyment. Besides, it’s the only hint I’ve seen in the Mason books that Lieutenant Tragg not only has a romantic side, but that he is attracted to women who, like Mason and Tragg, can hold their own in a man’s world and do very nicely indeed.
The protagonist in this book’s name is Mildreth, not Mildred, so it’s a little bizarre to read the wrong name on the blurb. It’s even stranger because it’s clear that “Mildreth” isn’t a typo—the woman is complimented on having a pretty name, which is far less likely had the woman actually been called “Mildred,” because Mildred is (or at least was, then) a very common name, while Mildreth is/was not. It’s doubtful that Gardner intended to call attention to a common name; what’s more likely is that the name is a combination of Mildred and Meredith, which is clearly uncommon, and thus, more likely to be commented upon in the book’s text. Moreover, prior to chapter one, Gardner’s “Cast of Characters” page spells the name (Mildreth) properly.
The obvious error in the blurb is not fault of the book or its author, however, and this book is a very pleasurable read. In particular, this book is the series’ first introduction to a very critical character in the Mason Mysteries—the one member of law enforcement for whom Mason not only tends to deeply respect (which is mutual), but a man who is smart, articulate, and elegant enough as to almost be what Mason would be , were he on the police force—Lieutenant Arthur Tragg. In many respects, Tragg is the yin to Mason’s yang (or vice versa), because, like Mason, Tragg doesn’t do everything strictly by the book, is highly intelligent, and is genuinely more interested in solving a mystery than securing a conviction. Tragg’s erudite manner, his quick-wittedness, and his willingness to take risks that many officers would not, make this book (and the series, which is made better for Tragg’s being a central part of it) highly enjoyable. Tragg is, using photography lingo, like the negative, where Mason is the print (or vice versa).
The story itself is immensely enjoyable, particularly with the historical setting, where night clubs are more than meets the average eye, and the average eye misses so very much of the reality, because the illusion created by the club is so well done.
It’s also refreshing to see an intelligent, independent intelligence woman seem to do very well in a realm that, particularly at the time, was solely the province of men. At the same time, Mildreth is kind, loyal, attractive, and lovely. I found myself rooting for her, despite the fact that her role in this book is to protect others, rather than be concerned about her own needs—-until a potential romantic prospect (and there seem to be no shortage of those) attempts to win her heart by taking over her business. Her astuteness and dialogue are refreshing, and the setting is particularly an enjoyable one.
Many, if not most of the men are cads in this book, and sadly, most of them may not suffer many (or any) consequences for being that way, but it’s impossible not to cheer for the daring, enterprising, and clever women in this book. It’s one I’ve returned to often, which I read with great enjoyment. Besides, it’s the only hint I’ve seen in the Mason books that Lieutenant Tragg not only has a romantic side, but that he is attracted to women who, like Mason and Tragg, can hold their own in a man’s world and do very nicely indeed.
May 1, 2023
Peavis adında bir adam belli etmese de çiçekçi dükkanı işleten Mildreth Faulkner'dan hoşlanır ama bu dükkanları ele geçirmek de istemektedir. Lois Canning adlı yardımcısının yanındayken Peavis ile sert bir konuşma yapar. Kız kardeşi Carlotta, Bob Warley adında bir adam ile evlidir ve Bob pek sağlam bir ayakkabı değildir. Perry Mason ile görüşeceği için ondan bazı belgeler isteyen Mildreth, Red cevabı alır. Bob bir kaza yapmıştır. Bu kazayı araştıran Mildreth, Bob'un yanında Esther Dilmayer adında bir kadın ve Sindler Coil adında bir adam olduğunu öğrenir. İkisi de Golden Horn kumarhanesi ile ilişkilidir. Esther ile görüşmeye gider ve ona acıyıp iş teklif eder. Orkide göndereceğini söyler. Esther, Magard ve Lynk adlı adamların işlettiği bu batakhaneden kurtulmak istemektedir. Beraber Mason'a gireceklerdir. Ama gece 1 olmadan önce Mason aranır. Esther kendine gönderilen şekerleri yiyince zehirlendiğini söyler. Mason onu bulmaya çalışır ve Cinayet bitimine yeni atanan Teğmen Tragg ile işbirliği yaparak kızı bulup kurtarır. Ancak işler karışır. Lynk öldürülmüştür. Mildreth'e giden Mason evde bir silah bulur. Mildreth kardeşi Carla'nın bunu yaptığından şüphelendiğini, bu yüzden evine gidip silahı aldığını söyler. Bob ortada yoktur. Peavis'in istediği dükkan belgeleri Lynk'in masasında çıkmıştır. Zor da olsa Carlotta'yı bulan Mason bu belgeleri ve seyahat çeklerin ondan alır. Della ile bir oyun oynarlar. Tragg peşlerindedir ama. Holcomb'dan çok daha zeki olan bu adam Perry'nin niyetini anlar. Esther iyileşir ve ifade verir. Bob ise Tragg'e Carlotta'yı suçlar. Peki kim öldürmüştür Lynk'i. Herkesin bir şahidi var gibi görünmektedir? Acaba bunlardan biri yalan olabilir mi? Mason Esther ile ne konuşacaktır? Tragg ona yardım edecek midir? Şeker kutusundan çıkan kart ve olmayan şeker kağıtları ne anlama gelmektedir? Lois ne yapmıştır? Keyifle bir solukta okunan bir roman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2021
Perry Mason books are generally quite high-paced and have a lot of red herrings, but are sharp, focused and concise. The conversations do seem a little too unreal usually, which has been one of Gardner's weak points. Those weak points come to roost in this book, where the dialogues felt completely unrealistic and the pacing, while being quite high, didn't feel that needed as Mason wasn't actually racing against the clock for quite some time.
Coming to the case, it is a relatively straight forward case, with a bunch of suspects but I was able to deduce the actual proceedings before the reveal. Even so, I felt there were a few loose ends that were left untied. Overall though, the case did force Mason to be at his best and do a lot of sluething himself, with Paul Drake being conspicuously kept out for most of the book.
This book also marked the entry of Lieutenant Tragg as a replacement of the generally incompetent Sergeant Holcomb. Tragg is certainly an upgrade as far as smart, hard working antagonists go. A certain amount of leeway can be given to the character building of Tragg as Gardner was still experimenting with the character at this point. Tragg is quite forthcoming with a lot of vital information, which the police usually withheld from Mason in other books, and probably this was a contributing factor to the dearth of detective leg work done by Drake.
Overall, it was a fun one-time read, and a book bringing Mason and Tragg would always be memorable, even if the case isn't.
Coming to the case, it is a relatively straight forward case, with a bunch of suspects but I was able to deduce the actual proceedings before the reveal. Even so, I felt there were a few loose ends that were left untied. Overall though, the case did force Mason to be at his best and do a lot of sluething himself, with Paul Drake being conspicuously kept out for most of the book.
This book also marked the entry of Lieutenant Tragg as a replacement of the generally incompetent Sergeant Holcomb. Tragg is certainly an upgrade as far as smart, hard working antagonists go. A certain amount of leeway can be given to the character building of Tragg as Gardner was still experimenting with the character at this point. Tragg is quite forthcoming with a lot of vital information, which the police usually withheld from Mason in other books, and probably this was a contributing factor to the dearth of detective leg work done by Drake.
Overall, it was a fun one-time read, and a book bringing Mason and Tragg would always be memorable, even if the case isn't.
March 28, 2018
The Perry Mason books are, in their 30s and 40a incarnation, a model of consistency, with characters that are a bit paint by numbers, clients that are always innocent of murder, and cops and district attorneys who are always wrong. I like the books, but I have not ever found one I would call outstanding. Until now.
So why does this one get top rank? Well, finally Perry gets a series of opponents who actually stand a chance of outthinking him. In this one, Lt Tragg, always the most formidable of Mason’s opponents, is introduced as the police Sgt who is hired to finally bring Mason to heel, and he gets a lot of time trying to solve his case at the expense of Perry’s client. In addition, a strong willed business woman (tough and with a fertile planning mind — think Barbra Stanwyck or Joan Crawford) also is wandering through Gardner’s typically fast moving plot, creating red herrings and fighting her own battle with an unscrupulous competitor trying to take over her business.
Gardner uses a different plot structure to accommodate all the duels of wits he has going here — the trial sequence is for a civil case, and is really quite brief. Hamilton Berger does not appear, and the book is better for it.
So why does this one get top rank? Well, finally Perry gets a series of opponents who actually stand a chance of outthinking him. In this one, Lt Tragg, always the most formidable of Mason’s opponents, is introduced as the police Sgt who is hired to finally bring Mason to heel, and he gets a lot of time trying to solve his case at the expense of Perry’s client. In addition, a strong willed business woman (tough and with a fertile planning mind — think Barbra Stanwyck or Joan Crawford) also is wandering through Gardner’s typically fast moving plot, creating red herrings and fighting her own battle with an unscrupulous competitor trying to take over her business.
Gardner uses a different plot structure to accommodate all the duels of wits he has going here — the trial sequence is for a civil case, and is really quite brief. Hamilton Berger does not appear, and the book is better for it.
November 26, 2021
Excellent! I LOVE Erle Stanley Gardner! He never disappoints.
I began reading the Perry Mason books years ago and then began watching the TV series. I used to really like the TV series and once had the DVD collection for the entire series. But I grew bored with the TV series after watching the first six seasons, and I recently gave away the DVD’s. I really prefer the books! The TV show tried to pack too much plot into 51 minutes, and I often found the shows confusing.
The characters in the Perry Mason books were rather one dimensional, and Gardner was not a great stylist. But he wrote incredible plots, and they make the books worth reading.
This book introduces Mason's nemesis Lt. Tragg, memorably played by Ray Collins in the TV series.
The Perry Mason book series began in the 1930's, so occasionally you will read sayings and names common to that era that are offensive by any measure today, such as "She is free, white and 21” -- and worse! (The same is true of Raymond Chandler's books and the films of that time.) But the books are still worth reading if you like mysteries with complex plots that keep you guessing until the end.
I highly recommend the books. I plan to read all of the books in the series.
I began reading the Perry Mason books years ago and then began watching the TV series. I used to really like the TV series and once had the DVD collection for the entire series. But I grew bored with the TV series after watching the first six seasons, and I recently gave away the DVD’s. I really prefer the books! The TV show tried to pack too much plot into 51 minutes, and I often found the shows confusing.
The characters in the Perry Mason books were rather one dimensional, and Gardner was not a great stylist. But he wrote incredible plots, and they make the books worth reading.
This book introduces Mason's nemesis Lt. Tragg, memorably played by Ray Collins in the TV series.
The Perry Mason book series began in the 1930's, so occasionally you will read sayings and names common to that era that are offensive by any measure today, such as "She is free, white and 21” -- and worse! (The same is true of Raymond Chandler's books and the films of that time.) But the books are still worth reading if you like mysteries with complex plots that keep you guessing until the end.
I highly recommend the books. I plan to read all of the books in the series.
July 27, 2021
Mildreth Faulkner and her sister, Carlotta Lawley are owners of 3 successful florist shops. Carlotta has a heart condition and her business affairs are looked after by Bob, her husband who has a weakness for gambling. The sisters hold all the stock in the family business other than a few shares given to a former employee. Harry Peavis, a mean competitor secretly acquires few shares of the corporation. Mildred suspects that her brother in law, Bob may have given Carlotta's share certificates over to Henry Lynk, a night club casino owner to pay off his gambling debts. Mildreth reaches out to Perry Mason to tackle the attempted takeover by Harry Peavis. When Carlotta is accused of killing Henry Lynk for the stock certificates, Perry Mason fights her case. The novel introduces Lieutenant Arthur Tragg as the new police detective for Homicide as replacement for clumsy Sergeant Holcomb. The dialogues/conversation between Lt Tragg and Perry Mason are the highlights of the book. (though missed Paul Drake). DELIGHTFUL.
March 25, 2018
Both the writing and the characterizations improve as this series rolls along. I thought this Perry Mason episode was one of the better ones so far, mainly because the people and their actions seem credible.
Holcomb (that jerk) is gone, and that is an improvement. Mason's relationships with his new police adversary, Arthur Tragg, is much more nuanced. Tragg has a lot of interesting give and take with Mason, and they respect each other for good reason. He is a far more sophisticated police officer than Holcomb who was just a foil for the stories in which he appeared.
Paul Drake is only distantly in this one, and the sexism continues, in the noir tradition. Perry's relationship with Della continues a bit inappropriate (as in "he kissed her tenderly, then hungrily," but the book otherwise is better than than awful line.
I never quite sorted out the plot, but who cares. This was a fun enough literary journey.
Holcomb (that jerk) is gone, and that is an improvement. Mason's relationships with his new police adversary, Arthur Tragg, is much more nuanced. Tragg has a lot of interesting give and take with Mason, and they respect each other for good reason. He is a far more sophisticated police officer than Holcomb who was just a foil for the stories in which he appeared.
Paul Drake is only distantly in this one, and the sexism continues, in the noir tradition. Perry's relationship with Della continues a bit inappropriate (as in "he kissed her tenderly, then hungrily," but the book otherwise is better than than awful line.
I never quite sorted out the plot, but who cares. This was a fun enough literary journey.
June 3, 2018
A pretty typical Perry Mason book in most respects, there are still a few things that make this one stand out. This is the first appearance of Tragg and Della gets some interesting stuff to do. Barely any Paul or time in the courtroom, but the changeup is welcome. Mildreth Faulkner and Esther Dilmeyer (those names!) are interesting characters and I finished the book wishing I'd gotten to see more of them. As usual for the early Perry books, especially, the lawyer isn't exactly scrupulous and his relationship with Della (including an unremarked "hungry" kiss) is bewildering.
June 15, 2019
Intrepid lawyer Perry Mason solves another wonderfully convoluted case, this time involving a questionable businessman, his efforts to aquire shares in a rival business and the murder that ensues!
Gardner was a bit more descriptive than usual in this entry into the Perry Mason series, which I enjoyed, but he did spend quite a bit of time focusing on the Lieutenant Tragg, the new police investigator for Homiciade, rather than Mason.
Overall, this was a really fun addition to the series.
3.5/5 Stars
Gardner was a bit more descriptive than usual in this entry into the Perry Mason series, which I enjoyed, but he did spend quite a bit of time focusing on the Lieutenant Tragg, the new police investigator for Homiciade, rather than Mason.
Overall, this was a really fun addition to the series.
3.5/5 Stars
May 30, 2022
I have to say either I'm getting better or ESG is getting sloppy because I figured this out. The only thing I didn't know was a surprise twist at the end which we could never know because only the killer knew it. It obviously seemed like someone was trying to create an alibi with all the little things that transpired.
This story is the first in the series so far that does not begin with a client sitting in Mason's office asking him for help. I did find that quite interesting and wonder if it will repeat throughout the series.
This story is the first in the series so far that does not begin with a client sitting in Mason's office asking him for help. I did find that quite interesting and wonder if it will repeat throughout the series.
June 1, 2022
The 17th Mason case (2nd from the 1940s), Silent Partner replaces Sgt. Holcomb of Homicide with Lt. Tragg – a much smarter, more capable police detective, and potentially a more challenging foil for Perry (not to mention, the well-known character from the TV series). This case does not involve Paul Drake much at all, and there is very little courtroom drama, but the contributions of Della Street and Tragg to the story makes Silent Partner one of the best and most skillfully written of the entire series to this point.
November 3, 2023
The Case of the Silent Partner by Erle Stanley Gardner is the 17th book in the Perry Mason series. Perry Mason is originally hired to help a florist to stop her business from being taken over but finds himself defending her invalid sister from a murder charge. Fast paced with lots of twists and misdirection with Perry Mason trying various tactics to help his client. This book introduces Lieutenant Tragg, a more wothy adversary than Sergeant Holcombe. I am enjoying this series more and more as it progresses and particularly the respect that Perry shows towards his secretary Della Street.
August 27, 2025
The Case of the Silent Partner is notable for the introduction of Lieutenant Tragg, who assumes a large role in the book and gets several scenes to himself and is depicted as being a strong adversary against Perry Mason. Paul Drake is unseen in the book, Dells Street is directed to engage in a dangerous task and there are many strong female characters in the book.
As usual the plot is convoluted and overly complicated but Gardner keeps the action moving briskly and provides a satisfying conclusion.
A fine addition to an evolving series.
As usual the plot is convoluted and overly complicated but Gardner keeps the action moving briskly and provides a satisfying conclusion.
A fine addition to an evolving series.
May 27, 2022
Perry at his finest. Lieutenant Tragg is introduced to the cast and he's just great. I even chuckled a little. I have watched everyone of the Perry Mason TV episodes with Lieutenant Tragg and I was taken back a little of his character. This time the adventure takes place with a rich florist and her sister. Of course Perry is defending one of them. Its a great story and a surprise ending. If your a fan then its a must read.
August 7, 2023
A very good Perry Mason novel, the only part I don't like about it is that a lot of the story is in Mason's absence, and it tend to get a little boring. But Mason enters the picture just in time and save us from the boredome. It happens 2-3 times in the story.
Rest of it is awesome. Good whodunit. Lots of clues for you to pick up and identify the real murderer all throughout the story.
Most recommended.
Rest of it is awesome. Good whodunit. Lots of clues for you to pick up and identify the real murderer all throughout the story.
Most recommended.
July 12, 2024
Perry Mason helps lady owner of the small chain of flower shops to get back control of her own company by returning stock certificates. And there is a murder, of course, but just one. One of the weakest Mason novels, due to very uninspiring plot. The first entry of Lt Tragg, who replaced Sgt. Holcomb as a police counterpart to Perry Mason. Tragg is much more capable and represents a better police image (that before was a caricature).
January 1, 2017
When I found an old stash of Perry Mason books in my girlfriend's grandmother's old home, I thought I'd pick some up and be mildly entertained by the quaintness of old legal thrillers. I'm surprised by how much I ended up liking this! The plot zips along at a mile a minute, there are some relatively progressive female characters, and the book never speaks down to the reader. Sign me up for more!
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