In the 1970s I binged on John Dickson Carr and Carter Dickson mysteries. They’re examples of the Golden Age of the Great Detectives. The plots of Carr’s books were twisty and the clues were mysterious. There was always a hint of the mystical or supernatural luring behind the eventual rational explanations of the crimes. This new book from Ramble House provides the best guide yet to John Dickson Carr and all of his works. James E. Keirans covers all the novels, short tories, radio and Theatrical plays, poems, essays, and book reviews. It’s hard to imagine a more complete package! If you’re a fan of John Dickson Carr this is a must-buy. If you’re a casual fan, you’ll still enjoy all the information provided in this reference book. It will inspire you to read more of John Dickson Carr’s vast oeuvre. GRADE: A
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Format
Rules of Engagement
The John Dickson Carr Companion
Index
George, I’m not yet a fan of John Dickson Carr or Carter Dickson and I’m hoping to become one soon.
Prashant, several of John Dickson Carr’s mysteries are masterpieces. But he also wrote some duds, too.
Great review George – I thought this was a terrific book and am very pleased to have a copy on the shelves with my Carrs!
Sergio, I’m impressed with THE JOHN DICKSON CARR COMPANION and I’m motivated to read some Carr this summer.
Good one. Like you I binged on Carr in the 1970’s (although less so on Dickson), reading several Henri Bencolins and Gideon Fells back to back. I’ll check this one out.
Jeff, I’ve read a lot of John Dickson Carr but there are still plenty of Carter Dickson mysteries for me to read.
Also, Keirans used to be a customer of mine, though it was hard to find some of the more obscure things he was looking for then.
Jeff, a previous client makes good! I love when that happens!
I liked the early, outre titles featuring Bencolin and Fell. I think Crippen & Landru reprinted some of Carr’s radio plays as well.
Jeff, I have a copy of Carr’s radio plays but haven’t got around to reading it yet.
The amount of research that went into this book boggles the mind.
Bill, and I liked your blurb on the back of THE JOHN DICKSON CARR COMPANION! You’re right: the effort to write a book like this is mind-boggling.
Against the grain, I’m not a fan. I recently started reading one of his stories in the LOCKED-ROOM MYSTERY anthology, and only got through 2 pages before I moved on to the next story. I find his writing unreadable.
Rick, John Dickson Carr’s writing style gets some getting used to.
I tried one many years ago and I guess it was one of the duds because I never read another. I’d probably like the companion book more.
Bob, THE JOHN DICKSON CARR COMPANION is full of interesting facts and obscure information.
George. I’m a big fan of John Dickson Carr and have read all his fiction (I still have his two nonfiction books to read — probably this summer). I’m also a big fan of Ramble House. This is a combination I can really get behind.
Jerry, you will really enjoy THE JOHN DICKSON CARR COMPANION! I’m a big fan of Ramble House, too. You’ll see reviews of more Ramble House books later this summer.