FORGOTTEN BOOKS #324: THE JOHN DICKSON CARR COMPANION By James E. Keirans

john dickson carr companion
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

18 thoughts on “FORGOTTEN BOOKS #324: THE JOHN DICKSON CARR COMPANION By James E. Keirans

  1. Jeff Meyerson

    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.

    Reply
  2. Jeff Meyerson

    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.

    Reply
  3. Jeff Meyerson

    I liked the early, outre titles featuring Bencolin and Fell. I think Crippen & Landru reprinted some of Carr’s radio plays as well.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      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.

      Reply
  4. R.K. Robinson

    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.

    Reply
  5. Cap'n Bob

    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.

    Reply
  6. Jerry House

    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.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      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.

      Reply

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