I’ve read over a dozen Hugh Pentecost (aka, Judson Philips) mysteries and have at least a dozen more of his books sitting on my shelves waiting to be read.
Since I am an Uncle George to my nephews and nieces, I though I might try one of Pentecost’s Uncle George series.
Retired lawyer-philosopher George Crowder was a brilliant prosecutor who made a disastrous mistake that caused him to leave the legal profession and become a recluse.
But death of a wealthy local woman–killed by someone driving over her body…twice–lures Crowder out of his New England cabin to investigate. Another death soon follows: the prime suspect–the woman’s husband. Then Uncle George’s beloved twelve-year-old nephew Joey disappears.
George joins the search for Joey, but knows the boy is being held hostage by a suspect who wouldn’t hesitate to kill the boy. If you’re looking for a twisty mystery with plenty of old fashioned suspense, check out Choice of Violence. Have you read any of Hugh Pentecost’s mysteries? GRADE: B
Uncle George Series:
Choice of Violence (1962)
Around Dark Corners (1970)
The Copycat Killers (1983)
The Price of Silence (1984)
Murder Sweet and Sour (1985)
Death By Fire (1986)
Pattern for Terror (1990)
I don’t remember reading any of his novels but I read a lot of his short stories back in the 60’s when I read EQMM.
Steve, it seemed like Hugh Pentecost had a story in nearly every EQMM issue back in the 1960s! Later, Ed Hoch took over that position!
Lawrence Treat and Robert L. Fish were also present quite often.
Steve, you’re right. Treat and Fish were “regulars” whose stories showed up frequently.
As with Steve, I’ve read a number of his short stories, haven’t yet read a novel.
Todd, there are plenty of Hugh Pentecost novels to be had. Let me know if you want me to send you a couple.
I won’t say No, but am thinking I better start reimbursing postage at least…
Todd, no need to concern yourself with postage. My Marathon Oil dividends will cover the cost of a package to you nicely. I’ll put it together and try to send it out to you before the next snowstorm shuts everything down here…again.
I began reading the Uncle George stories in EQMM back when I was in high school. He was my entry into the murderous world of Hugh Pentecost/Judson Phillips and still remains my favorite of all of his many series characters. Over the years I have managed to read almost all of his novels and have truly enjoyed most of them. Aside from Uncle George, I have a fondness for his one-legged detective Peter Styles and for hotel manager Pierre Chambrun. His other major characters seemed just a bit too forced to me, relying on trends of the times: social justice warrior and painter John Jericho and flamboyant “mod” PR man Julian Quist — even then his work drew me in. Early oin is career he would write a few books about a charater, and then move on; I’ve often wondered what sort of reception Luke Bradley, Dr. John Smith, or Lt. Pascal would have gotten if their careers had extended into the 60s or 70s. His Park Avenue Hunt Club series of 36 novellas from DETECTIVE FICTION WEEKLY (1934-1944) were puiblished in a massive two-volume set from Battered Silicon Dispatch Box in 2006 (at a cost far too pricey for me **sigh**). His standalone, 1976’s THE DAY THE CHILDREN VANISHED, may well have been his popular book and mirrored a headline-screaming crime of the day.
Jerry, you have read far more of Hugh Pentecost/Judson Phillips stories and novels than I have, but I share your enjoyment with the works I’ve read. I’ve read a handful of Pierre Chambrun mysteries. The same with John Jericho. I have some Peter Styles on my shelves. Plenty to look forward to!
Wow, Jerry has read way more of Pentecost than I have. I did read the first Chambrun book (THE CANNIBAL WHO OVERATE) and found it mediocre and never read another. I have read (of course) a bunch of his short stories. In the ’70s I went back and found his first, award winning book as Pentecost, CANCELLED IN RED. As I remember it, it was about rare stamps. Good book.
Jeff, I have CANCELLED IN RED around here somewhere. If I find it, I’ll read and review it for FFB. I’m impressed that Pentecost was so productive over all those years!