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Perry Mason in the Case of Too Many Murders
In the beloved tradition of Erle Stanley Gardner, Chastain presents an all-new Perry Mason mystery! When Mason's latest client seems to have every reason to have murdered her husband and no plausible alibi, Mason must employ all his talents at detection to save her from conviction!
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 8, 2021
Stars: 3 / 5
Recommendation: With times changing, it can be accepted this changed Perry Mason novel. A good mystery filled with twists and turns keeping us on toes, with added explanation, it is still a decent read and leaving us with familiar sense.
The Case of Too Many Murders was a Perry Mason book written by Thomas Chastain based on the characters created by Erle Stanley Gardner first published in 1989. The plot is set a few years after the last book of Perry Mason written by Erle Stanley Gardner in 1973.
Gilbert Adrian shoots his dinner mate at a restaurant and rushes home only to be found murdered a half hour later. His wife, Laurel Adrian, is arrested on suspicion of murder. Perry Mason is tasked to defend her. However everything points to his client looking guilty. Now Mason has build a stronger defense than he ever had in this complicated and twisted mystery plot.
Chastain took off from where Gardner left off, with a new spin, setting in locations current to 1989, I did expect a few changes to be seen. He retired Mason's private eye Paul Drake Sr. and has him working with Paul Drake Jr., Paul's son in the book. He still has Della Street, his trusted confidential secretary.
He also retired Lieutenant Arthur Tragg as well. And introduced us to Lieutenant Ray Dallas whose character is portrayed pretty much close to Tragg's. Not sure what happened to District Attorney Hamilton Burger, but we are introduced to a new D. A. Carter Phillips, who is much more shrewder and hard opponent to Mason than what Burger was.
Contrary to Gardner's writing style, Chastain had more detailed explanation of courtroom procedures and analysis beyond each step Mason takes in the case. I don’t remember seeing that in Gardner books, and still the cases were explained well enough.
It is no Gardner novel, yet a decent attempt by Chastain to give Gardner's characters one last attempt to shine in the changing world, and also introduce to the newer generations the court room dramas and mysteries solved by an investigative attorney.
With times changing, it can be accepted this changed Perry Mason novel. A good mystery filled with twists and turns keeping us on toes, with added explanation, it is still a decent read and leaving us with familiar sense. A great job done by Chastain in the end.
1. Book Trivia & Plot Reveals:
a. Thomas Chastain wrote two Perry Mason books based on original characters created by Erle Stanley Gardner. The second book was Perry Mason in The Case of the Burning Bequest which was published in 1990.
b. Extended team of Mason: Joe Lennart, a private detective; Jenny, Paul Drake's receptionist; Gertie, Mason's receptionist;
c. Characters who testify in the court: John Fallon, manager of the Oaks Restaurant; Councilwoman Janet Coleman; Randolph Adrian, Gil's son from his first wife; Anselmo Costa, a Vegas casino owner; Graham Kendrick, Costa's attorney; Melanie Sandford, dealer at the Casino; Megan Calder, Gil's secretary; Steven Benedict, Gil's bodyguard;
d. Law Enforcement that Mason tangles with: Lieutenant Frank Latham; David Niles, federal prosecutor; Assistant D. A. Al Marcus; Judge Albert Horman; Dr. James Lee, chief medical examiner; Ernest Boyer, ballistics expert; Sergeant Samuel Fisher; Sergeant Mel Anders;
2. Grammatical / Character / Plot / Geographical / Historical / Mythological Errors:
a. On Pg. 181, Chastain shows Judge and Jury in the court. But on Pg. 215, he has Judge Moorman admonish the attorneys that there is no jury present to impress so he would like to move along with the case faster.
Recommendation: With times changing, it can be accepted this changed Perry Mason novel. A good mystery filled with twists and turns keeping us on toes, with added explanation, it is still a decent read and leaving us with familiar sense.
The Case of Too Many Murders was a Perry Mason book written by Thomas Chastain based on the characters created by Erle Stanley Gardner first published in 1989. The plot is set a few years after the last book of Perry Mason written by Erle Stanley Gardner in 1973.
Gilbert Adrian shoots his dinner mate at a restaurant and rushes home only to be found murdered a half hour later. His wife, Laurel Adrian, is arrested on suspicion of murder. Perry Mason is tasked to defend her. However everything points to his client looking guilty. Now Mason has build a stronger defense than he ever had in this complicated and twisted mystery plot.
Chastain took off from where Gardner left off, with a new spin, setting in locations current to 1989, I did expect a few changes to be seen. He retired Mason's private eye Paul Drake Sr. and has him working with Paul Drake Jr., Paul's son in the book. He still has Della Street, his trusted confidential secretary.
He also retired Lieutenant Arthur Tragg as well. And introduced us to Lieutenant Ray Dallas whose character is portrayed pretty much close to Tragg's. Not sure what happened to District Attorney Hamilton Burger, but we are introduced to a new D. A. Carter Phillips, who is much more shrewder and hard opponent to Mason than what Burger was.
Contrary to Gardner's writing style, Chastain had more detailed explanation of courtroom procedures and analysis beyond each step Mason takes in the case. I don’t remember seeing that in Gardner books, and still the cases were explained well enough.
It is no Gardner novel, yet a decent attempt by Chastain to give Gardner's characters one last attempt to shine in the changing world, and also introduce to the newer generations the court room dramas and mysteries solved by an investigative attorney.
With times changing, it can be accepted this changed Perry Mason novel. A good mystery filled with twists and turns keeping us on toes, with added explanation, it is still a decent read and leaving us with familiar sense. A great job done by Chastain in the end.
1. Book Trivia & Plot Reveals:
a. Thomas Chastain wrote two Perry Mason books based on original characters created by Erle Stanley Gardner. The second book was Perry Mason in The Case of the Burning Bequest which was published in 1990.
b. Extended team of Mason: Joe Lennart, a private detective; Jenny, Paul Drake's receptionist; Gertie, Mason's receptionist;
c. Characters who testify in the court: John Fallon, manager of the Oaks Restaurant; Councilwoman Janet Coleman; Randolph Adrian, Gil's son from his first wife; Anselmo Costa, a Vegas casino owner; Graham Kendrick, Costa's attorney; Melanie Sandford, dealer at the Casino; Megan Calder, Gil's secretary; Steven Benedict, Gil's bodyguard;
d. Law Enforcement that Mason tangles with: Lieutenant Frank Latham; David Niles, federal prosecutor; Assistant D. A. Al Marcus; Judge Albert Horman; Dr. James Lee, chief medical examiner; Ernest Boyer, ballistics expert; Sergeant Samuel Fisher; Sergeant Mel Anders;
2. Grammatical / Character / Plot / Geographical / Historical / Mythological Errors:
a. On Pg. 181, Chastain shows Judge and Jury in the court. But on Pg. 215, he has Judge Moorman admonish the attorneys that there is no jury present to impress so he would like to move along with the case faster.
May 17, 2019
This isn't one of Erle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason's. This is written by Thomas Chastain and based on the Perry Mason books. I have read another mystery by him, "Where The Truth Lies" that was written with Helen Hayes, and enjoyed it so thought I'd give this a try!
It was enjoyable, but I could tell that it wasn't Gardner's writing.
In this book, Paul Drake Jr. is filling the shoes of his father as Perry's detective. Della is still his secretary, but there are changes in a number of the other characters. It is 20 years later, so it should be no surprise.
A well-known L.A. business man is seen killing a dinner companion at the restaurant they are dining at. When the police arrive at the business man's home to arrest him they find the man is dead. His wife has just arrived before the police, and of course the police make her suspect number one.
During the investigation, it is found that the businessman, Gil Adrian, has a bit of a shady background. A date book is found in his desk and the appointments aren't the same as the ones in the date book on the desk. What is he hiding?
There are the twists and turns, and the reading is good, but it isn't Perry Mason. Still.....I love to read and I did enjoy this book.
It was enjoyable, but I could tell that it wasn't Gardner's writing.
In this book, Paul Drake Jr. is filling the shoes of his father as Perry's detective. Della is still his secretary, but there are changes in a number of the other characters. It is 20 years later, so it should be no surprise.
A well-known L.A. business man is seen killing a dinner companion at the restaurant they are dining at. When the police arrive at the business man's home to arrest him they find the man is dead. His wife has just arrived before the police, and of course the police make her suspect number one.
During the investigation, it is found that the businessman, Gil Adrian, has a bit of a shady background. A date book is found in his desk and the appointments aren't the same as the ones in the date book on the desk. What is he hiding?
There are the twists and turns, and the reading is good, but it isn't Perry Mason. Still.....I love to read and I did enjoy this book.
September 11, 2022
This book reads like a novelization of a movie, or in this case a television. The author ticked all the elements of a screenplay for an episode of the original Perry Mason television series while updating a few characters (ie, the DA, Lt. Tragg and Paul Drake) by substituting younger replacements. He then threw in a few touches to pander to the audience such as hit men and gangsters. The end result was a rather lame story with wooden characters rather than the more fleshed out characters that were seminal parts of Erle Stanley Gardner’s early novels in this series such as the saucy smart Delia Street who was Perry Mason’s erstwhile girl friend and confidant, and detective Paul Drake whose appearance, methods and behavior often resembled those of the bad guys who he helped Perry Mason bring to Justice.
The book rates 2.5 stars.
The book rates 2.5 stars.
April 11, 2021
Chastain did a nice job picking up the Perry Mason series from legendary author Erle Stanley Gardner. This episode includes the hallmark Perry Mason courtroom banter and mystery solving skills. A 3.75 star rating.
June 12, 2022
I enjoyed this Perry Mason story, written by Thomas Chastain, more than other Perry Mason stories as written by E.S. Gardner. The characters are more classy, much like those in the television series.
November 23, 2024
We have been watching Perry Mason on TV so this was a fun read for me.
June 24, 2015
An enjoyable story if you can accept the new style
The Perry Mason stories by Erle Stanley Gardner were written in such a distinctive style that it is easy to recognize and hard to mimic. Therefore, any fan of Perry Mason will have to accept the disappointment of reading this Mason book by another author of another time. Gardner's style and tone was very much that of the thirties and forties, with different terminology and a different level of acceptance regarding how men looked at women.
If you are capable of accepting the significant difference in style, then this book can be enjoyed. Some of the characters are changed, for example it is now Paul Drake Jr. doing the investigations and Ray Dallas has replaced Lieutenant Tragg. The hostility between Mason and the police has been replaced by a relationship of mutual respect, within the bounds of their professional rivalry; Ray Dallas and Mason are friends.
The story is formulaic of the Mason stories, a man is murdered and his estranged wife is falsely accused of the murder. Mason must piece together a series of sometimes-contradictory clues in order to unmask the guilty and free his client. In true Mason fashion, his questioning of a witness leads to a dramatic courtroom event where the murderer is revealed.
Although Gardner wrote many Perry Mason stories and they follow a pattern, there are reasons to always want additional stories. Chastain's effort is a worthy addition to this set, while naturally different, it is still within the bounds of what a Perry Mason story should be.
This review also appears on Amazon
The Perry Mason stories by Erle Stanley Gardner were written in such a distinctive style that it is easy to recognize and hard to mimic. Therefore, any fan of Perry Mason will have to accept the disappointment of reading this Mason book by another author of another time. Gardner's style and tone was very much that of the thirties and forties, with different terminology and a different level of acceptance regarding how men looked at women.
If you are capable of accepting the significant difference in style, then this book can be enjoyed. Some of the characters are changed, for example it is now Paul Drake Jr. doing the investigations and Ray Dallas has replaced Lieutenant Tragg. The hostility between Mason and the police has been replaced by a relationship of mutual respect, within the bounds of their professional rivalry; Ray Dallas and Mason are friends.
The story is formulaic of the Mason stories, a man is murdered and his estranged wife is falsely accused of the murder. Mason must piece together a series of sometimes-contradictory clues in order to unmask the guilty and free his client. In true Mason fashion, his questioning of a witness leads to a dramatic courtroom event where the murderer is revealed.
Although Gardner wrote many Perry Mason stories and they follow a pattern, there are reasons to always want additional stories. Chastain's effort is a worthy addition to this set, while naturally different, it is still within the bounds of what a Perry Mason story should be.
This review also appears on Amazon
July 16, 2008
Perry Mason story written by Thomas Chastain rather than Erle Standley Gardner. However, story follows the Gardner mould and is a fast paced read.
Mystery involves two related murders and how to establish who committed them. Mason is deffending the wife charged with the murder of her husband and helps to unravel the mystery which keeps you guessing until the end.
Mystery involves two related murders and how to establish who committed them. Mason is deffending the wife charged with the murder of her husband and helps to unravel the mystery which keeps you guessing until the end.
August 17, 2014
Thomas Chastain kirjoitti kaksi Perry Mason -tarinaa alkuperäisen tekijän kuoltua. Perry Mason ja murhavyyhti on aika uskollinen alkuperäisille Perry Masoneille, mutta Thomas Chastain marssittaa estradille valtavan suuren väkijoukon. Yli neljäkymmentä henkilöhahmoa on aivan liikaa tämäntyyppiselle dekkarille!
December 19, 2009
Interesting to see Mason still at work, while Drake has retired and his son is old enough to do work for Perry! Good story, but not the same as the Gardner works (and you have to wonder how old Mason would be at this point...).
August 17, 2015
This book is written in the style of the original Perry Mason books. I have read many of the original series, and have seen most of the vintage TV shows as well as the later shows and movies. If you are a fan of the Perry Mason series and of Earl Stanley Gardner, this book is worth reading.
May 3, 2016
A well written, fast read, full of twist and turns, with a great ending. Mystery lovers and Perry Mason fans, should give Thomas Chastain version a try. I believe you'll become of fan of his writing too.
January 14, 2008
Not quite a brain-teasing mystery. Almost everything is predictable. It's a disappointment.
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June 22, 20102 1/2 stars
January 7, 2012
Nothing compares to the real Perry Mason books by Erle Stanley Gardner. This Mason ponders, quotes myths and philosophers. Too much exposition and not enough action.
June 2, 2013
This read like the old tv show. I could hear Raymond Burr's voice in my head as I read Perry's parts. Great fun.
July 10, 2014
I have always loved Perry Mason ;-)
April 13, 2015
Clearly written (vs. obscure and ambiguous) and worth my time to read it, but lacked the zing of a Gardner book.
May 8, 2016
We all know that Perry Mason is going to win...but the way he gets there is always fun. Thomas Chastain did a great job in keeping the Earl Stanley Gardner alive and well.
March 29, 2023
This is the first Perry Mason book that I've read and will be on the lookout for some more. I never guessed the ending. Very good. I just wished that it was written by the original author.
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November 7, 2013Hardback
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews