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Perry Mason #46
The Case of the Sun Bather's Diary
THE NAKED AND THE VERY DEAD
The blonde wandering nude at the Remuda Golf Club tells Perry Mason a strange story: While she peacefully sun-bathed near the course, someone made off with her Cadillac, her trailer, and all her belongings--including her precious diary.
The woman blames the police, who suspect her of having stashed away nearly half a million dollars allegedly stolen by her father, who is now in prison. She swears that both she and her father are innocent. So who is bankrolling her leisurely lifestyle? Why is she so desperate to find her diary? And who, if not Mason's beautiful client, would murder a key witness? In a virtuoso courtroom performance, Mason exposes the staggering truth.
THE ORIGINAL COURTROOM NOVELS
From the Paperback edition.
The blonde wandering nude at the Remuda Golf Club tells Perry Mason a strange story: While she peacefully sun-bathed near the course, someone made off with her Cadillac, her trailer, and all her belongings--including her precious diary.
The woman blames the police, who suspect her of having stashed away nearly half a million dollars allegedly stolen by her father, who is now in prison. She swears that both she and her father are innocent. So who is bankrolling her leisurely lifestyle? Why is she so desperate to find her diary? And who, if not Mason's beautiful client, would murder a key witness? In a virtuoso courtroom performance, Mason exposes the staggering truth.
THE ORIGINAL COURTROOM NOVELS
From the Paperback edition.
244 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1955
129 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Erle Stanley Gardner
1,367 books819 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 70 reviews
March 19, 2024
The Case of the Sun Bather’s Diary begins when Perry Mason receives a telephone call from a frantic young woman telling him she is nude and that someone has stolen all her belongings, including her car, the trailer in which she lives, her clothing, and all her possessions. She wants to retain him to recover her belongings. She says she needs his help and not the police. Della Street provides her with clothing. Then, she fully explains her situation to Mason. Not only does she need Mason to recover her possessions, but she needs him to prove her father is innocent of a major embezzlement at the bank where he worked. Mason is hesitant to accept this case since the case against the lady’s father appears airtight. He accepts a retainer, but while investigating with Paul Drake, Mason is charged by D.A. Hamilton Burger with criminal perjury and as a possible accessory to murder.
This novel, as with most of Erle Stanley Gardner’s works, is an easy read and can be finished in a few evenings. As with other Gardner’s novels, the legalese is easy to comprehend even if you have no legal training (For full disclosure, I am a retired attorney.).
I recommend this book to anyone interested in this genre.
This novel, as with most of Erle Stanley Gardner’s works, is an easy read and can be finished in a few evenings. As with other Gardner’s novels, the legalese is easy to comprehend even if you have no legal training (For full disclosure, I am a retired attorney.).
I recommend this book to anyone interested in this genre.
May 16, 2017
Perry Mason is one of those the most well known and beloved characters of modern American fiction. Gardner's character, who is sort of a modern day Sherlock Holmes, has been featured in radio, television, and movies, and, of course, Erle Stanley Gardner's novels- 80 of them.
The Case of the Sun Bather's Diary was originally published in editions of the Saturday Evening Post in 1955. I've never read a Perry Mason novel before or seen any of the various media presentations of the character. But I picked a fine one to begin with. Here, as the title suggests, we get a story involving a voluptuous young woman given to sunbathing in the nude, who calls Mason for help when everything she owns including the clothes she had set aside were stolen from her. A great opening that absolutely gets the reader's attention. Armored car robbery and forgery figure in to this tale as well.
The key to this case as Mason himself explains is keeping an open mind and not drawing any conclusions before getting all the facts. The writing here is superb and, as a reader, I was drawn into the story immediately and, although there isn't a lot of action, the story moves along quite swiftly ending with a grand jury hearing where Mason takes little clues and solves a case that appeared unsolvable.
Looking forward to reading the other 79 novels in the series.
The Case of the Sun Bather's Diary was originally published in editions of the Saturday Evening Post in 1955. I've never read a Perry Mason novel before or seen any of the various media presentations of the character. But I picked a fine one to begin with. Here, as the title suggests, we get a story involving a voluptuous young woman given to sunbathing in the nude, who calls Mason for help when everything she owns including the clothes she had set aside were stolen from her. A great opening that absolutely gets the reader's attention. Armored car robbery and forgery figure in to this tale as well.
The key to this case as Mason himself explains is keeping an open mind and not drawing any conclusions before getting all the facts. The writing here is superb and, as a reader, I was drawn into the story immediately and, although there isn't a lot of action, the story moves along quite swiftly ending with a grand jury hearing where Mason takes little clues and solves a case that appeared unsolvable.
Looking forward to reading the other 79 novels in the series.
September 21, 2010
Now, we will be open-minded about the idea that a young woman who grew up under the shadow of her father's mistaken conviction for bank fraud and current prison internment feels easy enough in her mind to enjoy nothing so much as a nice little stroll out in public in the altogether.
We will also not hold it against her that she insists on this relaxation technique even when she knows for a fact whoever framed her father is now trying to break into her home to ferret out the diary in which she's recorded the truth about the whole debacle.
And we will be more than just toward her when it turns out that home is, in fact, nothing but a wacky little trailer she drags around gaily in her wandering naked life until she winds up camping illegally on Country Club property.
But WTF with the coincidental reselling of the stolen trailer by its original salesman? The obvious little trip she takes back into that trailer "to hang out in front of the mirror"? The way people in the courtroom can't seem to get anybody to hand anything over even at the judge's orders?
Perry Mason's all kinds of fun when he gets put on the stand, especially when he's being grilled by his arch-nemesis D.A. Ham Burger. (I didn't name him, guys.)
Still, the solution to this one was a little. . .see-through.
We will also not hold it against her that she insists on this relaxation technique even when she knows for a fact whoever framed her father is now trying to break into her home to ferret out the diary in which she's recorded the truth about the whole debacle.
And we will be more than just toward her when it turns out that home is, in fact, nothing but a wacky little trailer she drags around gaily in her wandering naked life until she winds up camping illegally on Country Club property.
But WTF with the coincidental reselling of the stolen trailer by its original salesman? The obvious little trip she takes back into that trailer "to hang out in front of the mirror"? The way people in the courtroom can't seem to get anybody to hand anything over even at the judge's orders?
Perry Mason's all kinds of fun when he gets put on the stand, especially when he's being grilled by his arch-nemesis D.A. Ham Burger. (I didn't name him, guys.)
Still, the solution to this one was a little. . .see-through.
April 23, 2019
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 from 1955. It was serialized in The Saturday Evening Post, March 5 – April 23, 1955. It is one of the most intricate of the Perry Mason stories, with a significant and unusual amount of action taking place five years before the story starts.
The story begins, as do many others, when a young woman telephones Mason's office for help. This young woman, Arlene Duvall, can't come in to the office because she has nothing to wear - literally. She was sunbathing and everything she owns was stolen. It turns out she has been living in a trailer that was parked in the undeveloped part of a golf course. The car and trailer were both stolen while she was sunbathing. And why didn't she call the police? Because she suspects the police took the car and trailer!
Why would that be? It turns out she is the daughter of one Colton P. Duvall, who was tried and convicted of stealing $396000 from a bank during an armored car transfer. He has been in jail for five years, but the money has not been recovered. For much of the time Arlene has been living in this trailer with no obvious means of support. Very suspicious! Does she secretly have access to the money? Evidently someone wants to search the trailer. But Arlene is more concerned that her diary will be found than money.
The authorities want to recover the $396000 dollars. Colton Duvall worked at the bank and packaged the shipment that day. He was watched and supposedly checked by another man, Jordan Ballard, who got distracted, it seems. The serial numbers on some of the bills in the shipment were written down, and three of those were discovered in Colton's wallet, so he was the only one arrested. Given the security protocals in place it seems that only he could have stolen the money. They say he somehow switched packages and kept the money. Of course, he vigorously denies any part in it.
So five years later events come to a head and there is a murder. Perry is in the thick of it, as it seems that he was one of the last persons to see the murdered man alive. Not only that, he was seen mysteriously raising and lowering a window shade as if giving a signal to someone. The murderer? That's what the police think -- and Hamilton Burger!
Burger gets to put Perry on the witness stand twice! Once during the grand jury investigation of the murder, secondly during the actual trial of the defendant. It is one of the best courtroom scenes in the Perry mason canon.
Excellent use of Hamilton Burger. No Lt. Tragg.
Recurring themes: Perry in danger of being disbarred. Action on a dark golf course.
Characters who we meet:
Arlene Duvall, the sunbather.
Colton Duvall, father of Arlene, bank employee convicted of stealing an armored car shipment of money.
Thomas Sackett, alias Prim, steals the trailer and car from Arlene.
Jim Hartsel, manager of Ideal Trailer mart.
Dr. Holman Candler, confidant of Arlene Duvall.
Jordan L. Ballard, who worked at the bank with Colton Duvall the day of the theft.
Bill Emory, driver of the armored car.
Horace Mundy, operative for Paul Drake.
James Fraser, passer-by thrilled to play detective.
Rose Travis, head nurse of Dr. Holman Candler.
Helen Rucker, girlfriend of Thomas Sackett.
This is a wonderful story highlighting the unreliability and malleability of eye witnesses.
But the book has problems. First, after the robbery the police and FBI had serial numbers on many of the twenty dollar bills. They didn't want the list of those numbers to be leaked. So only one man had the list, a trusted FBI agent. A policeman was stationed every day in every bank in the LA area, looking at deposited twenty dollar bills and writing down their serial numbers. Then every evening all those lists would be scanned by the one FBI agent who had the list. Really? This is absurd! It couldn't be done! Think of the work! And no computer system existed to help.
Secondly, the plot is overly intricate, to the point where it is hard to follow. There is at least one significant plot hole: How did the murderer(s) know that Arlene was going to give Perry $1500?
Thirdly, in the four years or so after the robbery the robber(s) would have laundered the money in Mexico or somewhere. They wouldn't be pursuing the same lives as before.
Still, recommended!
On the whole, the ones written by about 1953 are the best. This is from 1955. It was serialized in The Saturday Evening Post, March 5 – April 23, 1955. It is one of the most intricate of the Perry Mason stories, with a significant and unusual amount of action taking place five years before the story starts.
The story begins, as do many others, when a young woman telephones Mason's office for help. This young woman, Arlene Duvall, can't come in to the office because she has nothing to wear - literally. She was sunbathing and everything she owns was stolen. It turns out she has been living in a trailer that was parked in the undeveloped part of a golf course. The car and trailer were both stolen while she was sunbathing. And why didn't she call the police? Because she suspects the police took the car and trailer!
Why would that be? It turns out she is the daughter of one Colton P. Duvall, who was tried and convicted of stealing $396000 from a bank during an armored car transfer. He has been in jail for five years, but the money has not been recovered. For much of the time Arlene has been living in this trailer with no obvious means of support. Very suspicious! Does she secretly have access to the money? Evidently someone wants to search the trailer. But Arlene is more concerned that her diary will be found than money.
The authorities want to recover the $396000 dollars. Colton Duvall worked at the bank and packaged the shipment that day. He was watched and supposedly checked by another man, Jordan Ballard, who got distracted, it seems. The serial numbers on some of the bills in the shipment were written down, and three of those were discovered in Colton's wallet, so he was the only one arrested. Given the security protocals in place it seems that only he could have stolen the money. They say he somehow switched packages and kept the money. Of course, he vigorously denies any part in it.
So five years later events come to a head and there is a murder. Perry is in the thick of it, as it seems that he was one of the last persons to see the murdered man alive. Not only that, he was seen mysteriously raising and lowering a window shade as if giving a signal to someone. The murderer? That's what the police think -- and Hamilton Burger!
Burger gets to put Perry on the witness stand twice! Once during the grand jury investigation of the murder, secondly during the actual trial of the defendant. It is one of the best courtroom scenes in the Perry mason canon.
Excellent use of Hamilton Burger. No Lt. Tragg.
Recurring themes: Perry in danger of being disbarred. Action on a dark golf course.
Characters who we meet:
Arlene Duvall, the sunbather.
Colton Duvall, father of Arlene, bank employee convicted of stealing an armored car shipment of money.
Thomas Sackett, alias Prim, steals the trailer and car from Arlene.
Jim Hartsel, manager of Ideal Trailer mart.
Dr. Holman Candler, confidant of Arlene Duvall.
Jordan L. Ballard, who worked at the bank with Colton Duvall the day of the theft.
Bill Emory, driver of the armored car.
Horace Mundy, operative for Paul Drake.
James Fraser, passer-by thrilled to play detective.
Rose Travis, head nurse of Dr. Holman Candler.
Helen Rucker, girlfriend of Thomas Sackett.
This is a wonderful story highlighting the unreliability and malleability of eye witnesses.
But the book has problems. First, after the robbery the police and FBI had serial numbers on many of the twenty dollar bills. They didn't want the list of those numbers to be leaked. So only one man had the list, a trusted FBI agent. A policeman was stationed every day in every bank in the LA area, looking at deposited twenty dollar bills and writing down their serial numbers. Then every evening all those lists would be scanned by the one FBI agent who had the list. Really? This is absurd! It couldn't be done! Think of the work! And no computer system existed to help.
Secondly, the plot is overly intricate, to the point where it is hard to follow. There is at least one significant plot hole: How did the murderer(s) know that Arlene was going to give Perry $1500?
Thirdly, in the four years or so after the robbery the robber(s) would have laundered the money in Mexico or somewhere. They wouldn't be pursuing the same lives as before.
Still, recommended!
January 10, 2018
It might be fair to say this is just another Perry Mason potboiler, but then again it's hard to think of any writer who can keep the pot boiling and the plot rolling like Erle Stanley Gardner. This is a fast-moving case involving a house trailer, an old bank robbery, Perry Mason himself on the witness stand, and of course the tantalizing sun bather at the center of the whirlwind.
June 9, 2020
Perry Mason is a tough one. A robbery some years back. A man convicted wrongly. The man's adult daughter trying to clear his name. And of course, a murder or two to resolve. Along with a rousing courtroom duel with Mason's legal antagonist, District Attorney Hamilton Berger.
A good one. (just disregard the six or eight typo's; nothing there, just move along)
A good one. (just disregard the six or eight typo's; nothing there, just move along)
January 27, 2024
Better than I expected! Not hard to see why these books were hits.
October 3, 2021
Better than the Show
What a wonderful opportunity to read books and see how the story actually panned out. A very up tempo story. I started it on Saturday & finished it in the early hits of Sunday morning. A classic mystery that will keep you turning pages.
What a wonderful opportunity to read books and see how the story actually panned out. A very up tempo story. I started it on Saturday & finished it in the early hits of Sunday morning. A classic mystery that will keep you turning pages.
October 3, 2017
Great Read!
Perry Mason is such a classic. During my younger days, the tv show aired on CBS was a gigantic hit. It was so absorbing that a fellow mystery writer friend of mine was going into labor, but to her husband’s dismay wouldn’t leave for the hospital until the episode she was watching had end! Great cast on the show. Raymond Burr was the perfect Mason. I had the pleasure of meeting him in person. What a nice man. This book reflects all that was great in the Perry Mason stories. Wonderful characters, intriguing mystery puzzle, and high drama as the story unfolds in court. One criticism however- in some places there is copier error. Words that were meant to read boy copied as biy in ebook. But, story was so good, I just read over them. Don’t let this prevent you from purchasing this book- a true gem!
Perry Mason is such a classic. During my younger days, the tv show aired on CBS was a gigantic hit. It was so absorbing that a fellow mystery writer friend of mine was going into labor, but to her husband’s dismay wouldn’t leave for the hospital until the episode she was watching had end! Great cast on the show. Raymond Burr was the perfect Mason. I had the pleasure of meeting him in person. What a nice man. This book reflects all that was great in the Perry Mason stories. Wonderful characters, intriguing mystery puzzle, and high drama as the story unfolds in court. One criticism however- in some places there is copier error. Words that were meant to read boy copied as biy in ebook. But, story was so good, I just read over them. Don’t let this prevent you from purchasing this book- a true gem!
December 1, 2014
#47 in the Perry Mason series. This series entry is notable for two reasons. First, since we assume Perry's client is innocent and her currently imprisoned father must also be innocent because she vouches for him, who committed the crime and how was it accomplished. As the story unfolds, it becomes more definite that the father must be guilty because no one else could be. Second, DA Hamilton Burger has tried to catch Perry in a misdeed in the past, but in this case he accuses him of perjury in open court. A bold but foolish stand even for Burger.
Perry Mason series - Arlene Duvall is the woman, and her father is in prison for a crime Arlene believes he did not commit, a bank robbery that netted nearly $400,000. Since her father's imprisonment, she has lived out of a trailer. She has a mysterious source of income that allows her to spend money both extravagantly and conspicuously, leading to obvious suspicion that her father has told her where the stolen money is. Indeed, this inference is so strong that Mason only agrees to represent her as long as she is innocent. If he discovers she is guilty, he promises to turn her in and take his fee out of the reward money. After the theft and then a murder of someone with some relationship to the bank heist, matters grow far more serious. As usual, District Attorney Hamilton Burger is after Mason, this time for perjury in front of a grand jury--and later possibly as an accessory to murder.
Perry Mason series - Arlene Duvall is the woman, and her father is in prison for a crime Arlene believes he did not commit, a bank robbery that netted nearly $400,000. Since her father's imprisonment, she has lived out of a trailer. She has a mysterious source of income that allows her to spend money both extravagantly and conspicuously, leading to obvious suspicion that her father has told her where the stolen money is. Indeed, this inference is so strong that Mason only agrees to represent her as long as she is innocent. If he discovers she is guilty, he promises to turn her in and take his fee out of the reward money. After the theft and then a murder of someone with some relationship to the bank heist, matters grow far more serious. As usual, District Attorney Hamilton Burger is after Mason, this time for perjury in front of a grand jury--and later possibly as an accessory to murder.
October 5, 2015
For some reason, I seem to be on a Perry Mason kick. I've read a couple of his stories recently and they are quick, entertaining reads. They speak to an older time, before cell phones and 24/7 news on television, where people could be more anonymous and less reachable.
This story is a bit goofy, but still rather fun to read. The ending was less of a surprise than I expected, but there was a twist I did
not anticipate. Great for a lazy Sunday, reading at home.
October 2015 update: I borrowed this from the library again, not realizing I'd already read it. (Should've checked Goodreads first!) Got about a third of the way through with a nagging suspicion that I had read the story - it's a little upsetting that it's only been 4 years. Either my memory is slipping or the story is somewhat forgettable.
new words: replevin, diathermy, darb
This story is a bit goofy, but still rather fun to read. The ending was less of a surprise than I expected, but there was a twist I did
not anticipate. Great for a lazy Sunday, reading at home.
October 2015 update: I borrowed this from the library again, not realizing I'd already read it. (Should've checked Goodreads first!) Got about a third of the way through with a nagging suspicion that I had read the story - it's a little upsetting that it's only been 4 years. Either my memory is slipping or the story is somewhat forgettable.
new words: replevin, diathermy, darb
February 23, 2022
Interesting start but it repeated the basics of the case ad nauseam. The actual courtroom scenes were fine and its always fun to see Mason get the DA flustered, but just didnt think this one was all that good. I've read 10 or so of these and so far I think thia was the weakest one. Basically a daughter of a supposed bank robber (he was in jail for the crime) was being followed by the cops since she was spending a lot of cash. While sunbathing her trailer and vehicle were stolen and since she thought the police did it she hired Mason. Of course nothing is that easy and Mason is hauled before a grand jury himself based on working the case.
Cant recommend, read too many others that were better though again wasn't terrible just wasn't that interesting all in all.
Cant recommend, read too many others that were better though again wasn't terrible just wasn't that interesting all in all.
September 30, 2013
Having grown up with the television series, it was nice to come across two book club anthologies of the Perry Mason novels by Erle Stanley Gardner.
Eighty six Perry Mason books were published from 1933 to 1973, the last five after Gardner's death.
The Case of the Sunbather's Diary was published in 1955, and is a marvel of intricate plotting culminating in, as usual, a satisfying courtroom display.
Unlike the stalwart, upright character portrayed by Raymond Burr on television, Gardner's creation is a man not above tampering with evidence and hiring phony "witnesses" in defense of a client.
Many of the books in the series are available from Barnes and Noble and Amazon.
Eighty six Perry Mason books were published from 1933 to 1973, the last five after Gardner's death.
The Case of the Sunbather's Diary was published in 1955, and is a marvel of intricate plotting culminating in, as usual, a satisfying courtroom display.
Unlike the stalwart, upright character portrayed by Raymond Burr on television, Gardner's creation is a man not above tampering with evidence and hiring phony "witnesses" in defense of a client.
Many of the books in the series are available from Barnes and Noble and Amazon.
December 1, 2015
Perry, Della, and Paul. They eat huge steaks. They drink cocktails. And they smoke like chimneys. Ahhh....the 50s.
September 29, 2023
Bir gün Perry Mason'a bir telefon gelir. Bir karavanda yaşayan Arlene Duvall adındaki bir kadın yardım istemektedir. Güneşlenirken arabası, karavanı, kısacası her şeyi çalınmış çırılçıplak ortada kalmıştır. Hızlıca golf kulübüne gidip ona giyecek bir şeyler ayarlarlar. Babası Colton, zamanında Merchandise Bank soygunu yaptığı iddiasıyla hapse girmiş, o gün nöbetçi olan Ballard işten çıkarılmış ve sonrasında zengin olmuş, şoför Bill Emory işe çalışmaya devam etmiştir. Arlene'de sınırsız para var gibi görünmektedir ve polis ile FBI peşindedir. Bu arada karavanı kimin çaldığını bulmak için araştırma yapan Mason, Della ve Paul'ün çabaları sayesinde Sackett adında bir adama ulaşırlar. Bu adam karavanı, Arlene'in satın aldığı dükkana bırakmıştır. Bu adamın yerini tespit etmeye çalışırken, Ballard ile görüşür. Banka soygununda bazı paraların seri numarası alınmıştır ve bunlardan biri Mason'a gelen bir çektedir. Bu durum Mason'ın zora sokar ama işler iyice karışır. Çünkü Ballard öldürülmüştür ve olay zamanında Arlene de orada görülmüştür. Hatta Drake'in Dedektifi de evden işaret veren birini Mason zanneder. Mason aslında numaralı çeki saklamıştır ama işaret veriyor gibi görünmüştür. Hamilton Burger bir kaplan gibi davaya sarılır. Amacı Mason'ın barodan atılmasıdır. Ama doğru soruları sormadığı için Mason ön duruşmada kurtulur. Bu arada Dr. Candler ve sekreteri Rose da olaya dahil olur. Sackett'in kız arkadaşı da Rose'un kardeşidir. Rose ve doktor da banka soygunu sırasında orada doktor ve hemşire olarak çalışmıştır. Mahkemede Arlene'in karavana gizlediği günlük ortaya çıkar. Burada Candler'dan şüphelendiği yazmaktadır. Kendisine gelen tanıkları darmadağın eden Mason bu konuda ne yapacaktır? Bankayı gerçekten doktor mu soymuştur? Yoksa başka biri mi işin içindedir. Sackett'da seri numaraları ne aramaktadır? Ballard ve baba Arlene masumsa suçlu kimdir? Keyifle okunan bir roman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2022
I grew up watching the very popular Perry Mason television series (1957-1966), and it played a significant role in my decision to become a lawyer. Later, while in law school, my Evidence professor recommended that we watch Perry Mason re-runs to practice our objections. He told us that Erle Stanley Gardner, the author and creator of Perry Mason, was actively involved in production of the television series, that he was an attorney himself, and that the courtroom scenes were accurate, at least insofar as procedure and objections (but not necessarily in the level of drama involved). Still later, as a practicing trial attorney, I referred to my best courtroom moments as "Perry Mason moments."
Although I grew up on the television series, I had never read even one of the more than 80 Perry Mason novels penned by Erle Stanley Gardner. Recently, I decided to delve into these books which I understand are still among the top bestsellers of all time. This is the third one I have read.
The Case of the Sun Bather's Diary was one of the earliest Perry Mason television episodes (Season 1, Episode 17). The novel, however, is much more complex and interesting, especially in the development of the characters.
I enjoyed the novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading mysteries and courtroom drama.
Although I grew up on the television series, I had never read even one of the more than 80 Perry Mason novels penned by Erle Stanley Gardner. Recently, I decided to delve into these books which I understand are still among the top bestsellers of all time. This is the third one I have read.
The Case of the Sun Bather's Diary was one of the earliest Perry Mason television episodes (Season 1, Episode 17). The novel, however, is much more complex and interesting, especially in the development of the characters.
I enjoyed the novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading mysteries and courtroom drama.
January 9, 2023
A nice plot, this one involves Perry Mason the lawyer representing a naturist girl named Arlene, on certain conditions. As luck would have it, the client is charged with murder and Perry Mason is also allegedly entangled in same for perjury. Lots of secrets keep comming out of the closet throughout the plot. The trailer owned by Arlene gets stolen, then recovered with some hidden cash, having same bill numbers which were stolen in a bank robbery and for which Arlene's father (ex bank employee) was falsely convicted.
Too many suspicious and interesting characters looming around gives depth to the storyline. Perry Mason is not only the defendant's lawyer but is also summoned as a witness in the case. The courtroom battle between Perry Mason and the district attorney is completely class which demonstrates the genius and logical mindset of the popular lawyer applied in this intriguing dual case of theft and murder.
Too many suspicious and interesting characters looming around gives depth to the storyline. Perry Mason is not only the defendant's lawyer but is also summoned as a witness in the case. The courtroom battle between Perry Mason and the district attorney is completely class which demonstrates the genius and logical mindset of the popular lawyer applied in this intriguing dual case of theft and murder.
March 2, 2022
Quite a wildly contrived tale with the typical overly attractive chick in distress. This one's trouble involves banks, father, campers, doctors, lawyers... but no indian chiefs. Though a sink is mentioned. Gardner cut all loose for this book.
One thing to note is a better description of the three main characters than usual. Paul Drake gets a description that sounds like Tim Rourk of the Mike Shayne series. As usual, you're on your own involving Perry and Della.
The rest could be very confusing in spots as Gardner really ties up so many. Especially Perry. However, for me, the revelation of two components in the book had me figure out who was doing what.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 7 out of 10 points.
One thing to note is a better description of the three main characters than usual. Paul Drake gets a description that sounds like Tim Rourk of the Mike Shayne series. As usual, you're on your own involving Perry and Della.
The rest could be very confusing in spots as Gardner really ties up so many. Especially Perry. However, for me, the revelation of two components in the book had me figure out who was doing what.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 7 out of 10 points.
May 29, 2023
This one starts a bit slow, despite its slightly racy start (a naked sunbather has had everything stolen and needs help ...and clothes), and Mason spends a lot of time just bumbling around and one step behind someone. But when the court scene starts, it gels and becomes a very sharp and smart book. This is one of the best mysteries in the series.
There are flaws, of course. Hamilton Burger is ridiculously fixated on nailing Mason for no reason except "this makes for a dramatic plot"; a device Gardner has uses every three or four books. Mason might be arrested and convicted of a murder he clearly didn't do and no one sane would think he did but the prosecutor is DETERMINED to get him for it.
There are flaws, of course. Hamilton Burger is ridiculously fixated on nailing Mason for no reason except "this makes for a dramatic plot"; a device Gardner has uses every three or four books. Mason might be arrested and convicted of a murder he clearly didn't do and no one sane would think he did but the prosecutor is DETERMINED to get him for it.
May 3, 2019
I've been trying to read the series in order (at least as much as I can get from Kindle Unlimited, which I think is a pretty fair representation). It seems to me that about mid-series Gardner started phoning it in. The plots of the last few I've read have been formulaic (I know, they're all formulaic, but you can make a formula interesting with variations) and the revelations have been more or less bolted on in the last 20% or so of the book.
That said, the courtroom interaction between Mason and Burger was brilliantly crafted and very funny. Worth the read just for that, as well as the more or less interesting client Perry represents in this one.
That said, the courtroom interaction between Mason and Burger was brilliantly crafted and very funny. Worth the read just for that, as well as the more or less interesting client Perry represents in this one.
March 17, 2020
The Case of the Sunbather's Diary gets going with a young woman calling Mason's office for help. While she sun-bathed in the nude, someone had stolen her trailer and all her belongings. The woman's father is in prison charged with a bank robbery. Mason is the last person to see the victim and becomes a suspect himself. The testimony by Horace Mundy, operative for Paul Drake is comical. However the memorable part of the book is the courtroom scene when the District Attorney Hamilton Burger puts Perry Mason on the witness stand during the trial of the defendant. He wants to get Mason disbarred for perjury. VINTAGE CLASSIC.
October 17, 2024
In ESG’s previous novel, Glamorous Ghost (#46, 1955), he opened with a half-naked woman wandering around a park. In Sun Bather, he takes it a step further with a now fully-naked blonde wandering around a golf course. Seems she stepped out for a moment, only to find her Cadillac, trailer, and all her clothing gone. Oopsie. Of course, a murder is soon evident and the naked woman becomes Mason’s client, to the chagrin of Della. Hamilton Burger is confident that he finally can get Mason debarred for good. Of course, after some very entertaining legal wrangling, Mason comes out on top. But the reader is not sure how Perry will get out of this one until the final scenes.
January 6, 2021
From 1955 and aged quite well, the plot of this Perry Mason mystery is about his hiring by a young woman whose father is in prison for stealing $500,000 from the bank where he was employed. The money was never recovered and she is now spending at a rate far greater than her income. Another man involved in the case is soon murdered and Mason, along with the young woman, becomes a suspect. The courtroom scenes are tense and clever but it’s too straightforward to be overly absorbing. Still a solid 3.5 star read!
June 2, 2017
Good but has typos
I love the Perry Mason books because of the TV show. The books do not detract from my memories so I eady imagine Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale in their respective roles. The quality of the writing is ok for the genre and the time. That said, there are phrases in the book that would be considered offensive on today's world. Aldi, there are typos thru out the book. They are so numerous to be annoying but it dies bring down the perceived quality.
I love the Perry Mason books because of the TV show. The books do not detract from my memories so I eady imagine Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale in their respective roles. The quality of the writing is ok for the genre and the time. That said, there are phrases in the book that would be considered offensive on today's world. Aldi, there are typos thru out the book. They are so numerous to be annoying but it dies bring down the perceived quality.
November 17, 2018
This was the first Perry Mason mystery I can remember having read and I enjoyed it a great deal. Gardner may not have been a great prose stylist, but he certainly was adept at plotting a suspenseful mystery and at keeping the reader from guessing the solution. Even though the reader knows all along that the book will end in a courtroom scene in which Mason will embarrass the DA Hamilton Burger, it's still fun to watch exactly how he does it.
December 17, 2019
A young woman telephones the office of Perry Mason to announce that her motor home and all her possessions, including her clothes, have been stolen.
Mason's investigation leads to a daring bank heist and, inevitably, a murder. A murder whose chief suspect is Mason himself.
Gardner's plot is intricate and deftly presented, leaving reader's eagerly working out who the culprit is until the denouement.
Mason's investigation leads to a daring bank heist and, inevitably, a murder. A murder whose chief suspect is Mason himself.
Gardner's plot is intricate and deftly presented, leaving reader's eagerly working out who the culprit is until the denouement.
March 19, 2017
I love Perry Mason. Not only Raymond Burr's Mason, but Gardner's original. Of course I see Burr as I read, but I can hardly be blamed for that!
Even though I read all these books as a teen, I still love rereading. I never remember, at the beginning, what the details are, and then feel infinitely clever when I "notice" this that and the other.
The older I get, the more I think Gardner's Mason books were an attack on our justice system. It's a good system, but only as fair as those participating. Mason always shows how mistakes can be made by prosecutors. How testimony, despite being truthful, can be used to prove lies. How people simply can't help believing what seems to be the truth. An idea occurs and the facts at hand are used to prove that idea instead of the opposite.
Too bad every attorney, prosecution or defense, can't be Mason. If they could, then our justice system would be perfect.
Even though I read all these books as a teen, I still love rereading. I never remember, at the beginning, what the details are, and then feel infinitely clever when I "notice" this that and the other.
The older I get, the more I think Gardner's Mason books were an attack on our justice system. It's a good system, but only as fair as those participating. Mason always shows how mistakes can be made by prosecutors. How testimony, despite being truthful, can be used to prove lies. How people simply can't help believing what seems to be the truth. An idea occurs and the facts at hand are used to prove that idea instead of the opposite.
Too bad every attorney, prosecution or defense, can't be Mason. If they could, then our justice system would be perfect.
July 14, 2018
Good Story, Bad Presentation
The story, as always, was good & had a strong plot. However, there were typos on nearly every page. Annoying. Either Amazon or their Kindle group should come up the books they sell - I've noticed this issue with other Kindle purchases (i.e., books by John D. MacDonald).
The story, as always, was good & had a strong plot. However, there were typos on nearly every page. Annoying. Either Amazon or their Kindle group should come up the books they sell - I've noticed this issue with other Kindle purchases (i.e., books by John D. MacDonald).
October 29, 2022
I think of the Perry Mason books I've read so far, this might be my favourite. It has a lot of great intrigue and fun characters. Although, I can't help feel that Perry Mason is such an idiot sometimes. The author obviously goes to great lengths to make the DA look to be the fool, but he seems pretty reasonable against Mason. In any case, I recommend it. :)
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