Perry Books

Perry Mason Seven Famous Novels

These seven novels were originally published between 1955 and 1959 when Gardner was at his prime. They take place in 1950s Los Angeles California, an area where Erle Stanley Gardner lived and worked. Gardner never put dates in his novels to keep them from being dated. But after the devaluation of the dollar from 1971 on many of the dollar figures are long out of date. There were other changes in law and culture as well. Gardner was a trial attorney himself, and his experiences were not unlike that of Perry Mason. His novels economize on characterization, using dialogue to keep the story moving. Few of the people tell the whole truth to Mason. His job is to compare testimony to the facts gathered by his private investigator. Mason's clients are usually "middle class" or better; few clients have messy lives or cases. The stories involve some technical or scientific facts, and show some point of law.

Erle Stanley Gardner was the founder of the "Court of Last Resort" which sought to free many unjustly convicted persons. Gardner, among others, sought to use scientific means to find the guilty, rather than using hunches or guesses alone. Mason's clients are always not guilty, because few would buy a book where a defense lawyer let the guilty go free. An important lesson for the reader is to think about the facts, and not jump to a conclusion based on newspaper reports. These seven novels are often educational, like some novels of Dashiell Hammett, in teaching about the tricks of undercover detectives. You'll learn about a "roper", rough or smooth shadows, etc. and be able to identify the undercover operatives that you may encounter in your life.


* The Case of the Glamorous Ghost. A young woman was found in a park at night, nearly nude. She seems to be an amnesia victim. When her missing boyfriend is found dead she is accused of the murder.
* The Case of the Terrified Typist. A skilled typist shows up for work, then disappears. This typist matches a suspect in a burglary. Perry Mason's client is convicted of murder, but this is overturned on a technicality.
* The Case of the Lucky Loser. A young man is on trial for a hit-and-run. The investigation brings out hidden facts. Why did his step-mother and a company official testify against him?
* The Case of the Screaming Woman. A wife calls to have her husband's story checked. He had picked up a hitchhiker and taken her to a motel. After a nearby doctor was killed, the man is charged with murder.
* The Case of the Long-Legged Models. A young lady inherited shares in a Las Vegas casino. A man is pressuring her to sell out. When the man is murdered, the young lady is charged with murder.
* The Case of the Foot-Loose Doll. A woman runs away and assumes a new identity. But an investigator ties the new identity to a past crime. When the investigator is killed, she is accused of the murder.
* The Case of the Waylaid Wolf. A woman can't start her car, and is given a ride by her employer's son. She resists his advances, then runs off. When this man is found dead she is charged with murder.

Erle Stanley Gardner (1889-1970) wrote some one hundred novels over the course of his long career. He was at the height of his powers during the late 1950s, and this collection offers seven of his best works featuring Los Angeles attorney Perry Mason. Writing in a dialogue-heavy, almost staccato style that calls to mind the likes of Hammett, Gardner leads the reader through complexities of the law with considerable skill--and if these tales are genre-fiction pure and simple, they are nonetheless enjoyable for that.

THE CASE OF THE GLAMOROUS GHOST (1955) finds Mason entangled with a young woman who claims memory loss, and her dead boyfriend is one of the the things she can't quite recall. In THE CASE OF THE TERRIFIED TYPIST (1956) Mason requires an office temp--who suddenly disappears from the job and may be implicated in both robbery and murder.

In THE CASE OF THE LUCKY LOSER (1957) Mason is asked to observe a trail by a mysterious client and finds himself more involved in the court case than he expected. THE CASE OF THE SCREAMING WOMAN finds Mason called upon to play marriage counselor when a skeptical woman demands that he get to the bottom of her husband's wild story.

THE CASE OF THE LONG-LEGGED MODELS (1957) finds Mason representing a casino heiress who is being strong armed to sell. In THE CASE OF THE FOOT-LOOSE DOLL (1958) a lovelorn woman claims to have committed insurance fraud, and in THE CASE OF THE WAYLAID WOLF (1959) an office worker's refusal of a young man's advances has unexpected consequences to say the least.

The novels include the supporting characters so much beloved--or loathed--by Gardner's fans: the witty and efficient secretary Della Street; the hard nosed detective Paul Drake; and, of course, such 'for the prosecution' figures as Police Lt. Trask and the urbane but none-to-swift attorney Hamilton Burger. Police processes and in some instances laws have changed in the half-century Gardner wrote these tales, but they are still good fun, fast and entertaining reads from the first page to the last. Recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

If you are a Perry Mason fan, buy this volume now or check it out from your library. This 821 page collection of novels from 1955-59 will keep you entertained with non-stop action. Note: The publisher used a font that is smaller in size than some aging eyes might prefer and the line spacing is a bit tight.

Erle Stanley Gardner published his first novel at age 44 and he still managed to author 82 novels featuring Perry Mason. Under the pseudonym of A. A. Fair, he wrote 24 novels featuring Bertha Cool and Donald Lam. These are delightfully light entertainment, and have more repartee between the main characters (undersized detective Donald Lam and his overweight boss, Bertha Cool) and a bit more descriptive text than was Gardner's style in the Mason novels. The irreverent Lam might remind some of Craig Rice's John J. Malone, but Gardner's plots are always better constructed than Rice's.

Gardner was a man of energy with an amazing work ethic who became the most read mystery writer in the world. At age 32, Gardner, a practicing attorney, began writing fiction for the pulps for a very minimal amount per word. His output was in the range of a one million words year - a stunning level by any measure. By the time he started writing the Perry Mason novels, he had the right systems and support staff to allow an incredible output.

Gardner dictated his prose, and that in part explains his preference for dialogue over description, action over analysis. Gardner's novels emphasize physical movement - running from one place to another, full-throttle car trips, chartered airplane flights.

Gardner's clients in these works are innocent, but usually do not reveal the full truth to Perry Mason. The highlight of each novel is in the courtroom, where Perry Mason with flamboyance and audacity not only proves his client innocent, but also reveals the identity of the real murderer. Mason's novels are plot driven, and the plots grab your attention - even though there is seldom an immediate danger to either the client or Mason. Plausibility and consistency in the plots are quite good. The crimes and their solutions hold up well to scrutiny.

Buy and read this volume if you enjoy classic American entertainment. Part of Gardner's incredible popularity was that he never added the extensive descriptions that most readers skip in detective novels. Gardner's novels have tight plots, snappy dialog and an abundance of action.

If your only exposure to Perry Mason was from the television show, you are in for much more rapid and exciting entertainment than you could possibly expect. Each of these novels is a quick and fun read. I also recommend that you explore some of the earlier writings of Gardner, where the testosterone and energy are even stronger. You might also enjoy the insightful biography of Gardner, The Case Of The Real Perry Mason, authored by mystery writer and critic Dorothy B. Hughes.

This text was especially helpful for me as someone who knew pretty much next to nothing about the field but who also wanted not to be spoon fed. The author strikes an excellent balance for beginners and the more advanced.

The book is concisely written and loaded with practical examples. A must for the reference shelf of bond professionals.

The author delivers clear and concise explanations on the more esoteric aspects of fixed-income securities. It is written using an easy to understand, building-block approach which enables the reader to grasp the theory behind creating synthetic securites. This book goes beyond textbook definitions and introduces essential strategies which can be used by trading managers, risk managers, and individual investors.

Generation of Warriors so far has been a great read. I am normally a slow reader but find myself breezing through chapters so far. I am close to a third of the way through the book now and already like the way he switches between story lines. The chapters are somewhat short which I like. I am planning to go see Chickamauga battlefield in September and wanted to read this before I went.

I was privileged to hear the author speak on his book and you can tell he really worked hard on it. You won't be sorry if you buy it. I can't wait to get his autograph.

Short provides a fine narrative of events and tells a story that places you at the scene. I am very impressed with this novel. I understand it took years to research the background for this book. Short's ancestors that fought in the war make this novel a love story between the writer and the personalities in the book. It also uniquely makes the reader aware of the terror and hardship suffered by the homeland residents that found themselves on the front lines of battle without even leaving their porch. I highly recommend it to those that appreciate the historical novel.

This is a well researched book that goes behind the scenes of a major civil war battle. The author describes the effect of war from the commanding general to the common soldier as well as the hardships faced by the local civilians. He doesn't stray from the actual events of the "Battle of Chickamauga' and gives a detail account of the action that took place. I thoroughly enjoyed the interweaving from the battlefield to the homestead and all that takes place with the main characters. I would characterize this book as a historical novel and highly recommended reading. With the recent interest in historical movies I believe this book would make a fine movie as well, along the lines of 'Cold Mountain' and 'Gods And Generals'

This book is a gift to humanity. Therein lies one of the greatest and most profound secrets to be revealed to it. The text succinctly and clearly sets out the true meaning of scripture and its true relevance to our lives. The simple truth is so immense, so positively GIGANTIC, that it will push the discerning and earnest aspirant into a totally new frame of mind with respect to life and living.
The information closely parallels that disclosed by eastern Taoist influences, but does so in a manner that conforms with the familiarity that westerners have with the Christian Bible. All I can say is that this information is vital and profound and that every person on the planet should be aware of this. This is the key that will profoundly change the balance of your existence on this plane.

At first, I couldn't really make any sense of this book and it sat on my shelf for months... but once I began to discuss it with a like-minded friend, it opened up new worlds to me. Whether or not the alchemical process it describes is the "literal truth," it does provide an alternative reading of the New Testament, and a potential key to other world mythology.

The book attempts to provide physiological reasons for aetheticism. The alchemical process is described as a purely physical process that creates the "God-Man," the "next step in human evolution." It links together many facets of esotericism and occultism from kundalini to cell salts, using a symbolic reading of the New Testament.

Read it along with "The Secret of the Golden Flower," a classic of Taoist internal alchemy while keeping in mind Luke 8:11 - "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God."

I have been studying and reading this book for many years. At first there was so much new information about what was mythical and mystical and historical that I had to re-educate myself. The authors present a view of Jesus Christ and Christianity that was totally new to me. If the Holy Bible is really a Holistic book then "God Man:The Word Made Flesh" explains what the Mystery of Christ truly entails. Astrology, Chemistry, Physiology, Anatomy are the sciences that the ancients were writing of in all the ages that are represented in the biblical stories, allegories and parables. They were ultimately concerned with the human body and how it worked and preserving and passing this knowledge on. Dr. George W.Carey and Inez E.Perry make a connection between perfect health and the Biochemical tissue or cell salts. The Seed is the Word.(See Luke 8:11) There are three other books that should be read along with this one. They are "The Shadow of the Third Century:A Revaluation of Christianity", "Gerald Massey's Lectures",published by A&B Book Publishers and another publication by Inez E. Perry titled "The Zodiac and the Salts of Salvation". From this book I have come to the revelation that the Alchemists were searching mistakenly for a process that changed base metals into gold. They were searching for a precious substance. That substance is explained to be what the Mystery of Christ is all about.

Traditions abound in connoisseur and cookbook author Sara Perry's latest endeavor. Filled with time-honored dishes for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas, Perry also includes recipes for Boxing Day, Kwansaa and New Year's - everything from Maple Pumpkin Pie and Buckingham Palace Shortbread to Brown Sugar Benne cookies and a Rugelach trio.

But not all is dessert. Perry also offers ideas for breakfast, lunch and snacks, as well as recipes specially created for baking with children. Lots of photos and bold colors make this the perfect holiday gift - if you can part with it.

I bought this cookbook last year, after the holidays, on sale. Starting in the fall of this year, I started trying several of the recipes. The maple pumpkin pie that I made at Thanksgiving is simply the best pumpkin pie I've ever had. Period. The savory apple and onion tart gets rave reviews from my guests as a first course. The brownie terrine is fabulous. And, oh, the warm strawberry jam scones and breakfast quiche make show-stopper courses at breakfast or brunch.

I'm buying more for gifts this year. It's one of those cookbooks that's really fun to read and inspiring. Makes you want to give the gift of your baked goods to friends over the holidays, or better yet to invite them over.

Highly recommended. Enjoy!

A lovely baking book to aid the home baker during the winter holiday time. Recipes included are designed for each holiday: Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Boxing Day, Kwanzaa and New Year. Also, included are baking tips for more successful baking, and how to incorporate the children into the holiday celebrations!

Sara Perry is an experienced cookbook author with numerous titles celebrating her love for food, holidays and children. Her passion for holiday baking is seen throughout this entire book. With beautiful photographs and descriptions of each holiday, this book is sincerely quite lovely. Each chapter is a holiday, so it is easy to dedicate your holiday planning, by focusing on a single chapter at a time. And do not be confused by the title, remember there are savory delights too!

With the world getting smaller, I find books that embrace different cultures and religions refreshing. It is a wonderful way to celebrate friendships and family when trying to share in one's culture. This is a lovely book that you will need to help create a more lovely holiday season. Pick up a copy today!

I've lived in Florida, and studied archeology, all my life. Mac Perry reported on many sites that I had never known about, plus added information on those that I'd already visited. An excellent book, with a clear, interesting style.

Indian Mounds You Can Visit is informative and very interesting. A must read for anyone interested in Florida's history.

The Author has a style of writing that bring the reader into the world of Florida's first people. He very eloquently puts forth his message of conservation and protection. This book is packed with information on the various cultural periods of Florida pre-history like the Weeden Island and Safety Harbor people.

I read this book in a university ethics class, and I enjoyed it very much. What I liked best was that it is not just a textbook with charts, graphs, and information; it is a collection of inspiring stories that communicate the importance of ethics and character in leadership. This book also gives insight on how people can develop the character traits necessary to become more inspirational leaders.

This book is outstanding as a leadership tool as well as excellent reading for every person. It will definitely inspire every reader to reflect on their own ethic concepts.

As a training and development consultant for managers at all levels,I have been sharing ideas from this book and suggesting that everyone buy it and READ it

This is not just another leadership book. This books is a must-read for all who want to be leaders of great character! Rear Admiral Ron Marryott, USN (Retired)

This book is positive without being sappy, easy to read and understand, yet profound. It's a treasure trove of insight into human behavior and defines a life well-lived.

We enjoy bouncing our experiences and observations of each other, entertaining and teaching and learning from each other. Perhaps more importantly, we gain value and worthwhile memories?a measure of our lives. ?Journey of a Southern Man? is Jackie Cooper?s testament to his life and journey. With a sense of humor, he tells about himself, his family and his friends, while at the same time helps us see truths about our own lives. In frankly facing his own fear of illness, aging, loss and death, and through the power of his insight, we are challenged to do the same. Each story is a delicious slice of life and reads with the fluid simplicity of a Hemingway novel. An accomplished teller of tales, Jackie?s stories charmingly blend the traditional (see chapters Gimme That Old Time Religion, Golden Rule Should Apply at Theaters and Laughing Helps People Cope) and the unconventional (see chapters Survival Tips for Snow?Lay in the Munchies, Thinner Isn?t a Curse, A Former Smoker Confesses?He Loved Every Puff) Jackie?s book has a keen sense of the passage of time and the existential irony that change is the universe?s only constant. ?Journey of a Southern Man? inspires the reader to not settle for the ordinary and helps us remember the important things in life?love, relationship and gratitude.

Jackie does a great job with his first literary effort. Hiscollection of stories reinforces the timeless concept that awell-lived, gentle life has such merit and meaning. When I finished his book, I was disappointed it was over, and am now anxiously awaiting his follow-up. I think I'd like to be Jackie Cooper if I could pick being someone other than myself.

Mark Perry follows his important last book on the Civil War with this gem about two remarkable American families, one black and the other white. The only remaining question is: Which Hollywood studio will get the film rights? Perry is quickly becoming one of America's best storytellers.

I agree with reviewer Dan E. Moldea who suggests that the film studios will line up behind this one. It's a wonderfully crafted story which makes you feel you are inside the story. Kudos to author Mark Perry. He is a wonderfully talented story teller.

Lift Up Thy Voice is a compelling tale of two sisters that will inspire young women to speak up and fight for what they believe. This book recounts the significant, yet often ignored role women played in the abolition of slavery. But beyond the facts of history I enjoyed reading the more personal story of the sisters and the effect their strong beliefs had on their personal lives. Even today having strong feminist views is not without its consequences, but these women spoke out at a time when women belonged their fathers and then to their husbands, rarely to themselves. Mark Perry has written an excellent and comprehensive history of this family and I would recommend it to readers interested in women's history as well as African American history.

Most of the textbooks in macroeconomics (Blanchard, Mankiew and Gordon) focus on basic IS-LM and AS-AD models which are useless in open economies. This book is perfect upgrade for everybody who has read basic macroeconomics textbooks and wants to go further. There is economic history review, everithing is based on imperfect labour markets and salter-swan diagram is perfectly implemented in standard macroeconomics tools together with IS-LM model.

Ten years ago, by coincidence, I saw this book. I bought it, and since then I have recommended it to all my colleagues.
At that time, the book was new and contained all the most recent developments in the journals (it ends with hysteresis - well explained and at that moment a brand new topic in the journals).
But what I find more important is that this is the only book I read where all those journal-stuff was fitted into a coherent frame-work; for the first time I really understood what macro-economics (and their micro foundations) was all about.
Up till then, I had seen only fragmented pieces of macro theory and here these authors came with a coherent view, which would have taken myself years to fit together, and I was sorry that this was not the handbook I had at university.
I don't follow-up this field anymore, and the book has not been updated anymore since then (a pity I think) but I write this review out of gratitute for the insights the authors gave me: I finally realized that in this book all the pieces were fitted together and allowed me to really understand macro-economics.
Personally, I can only recommend it.

One of the best macroeconomics textbooks in the market.First of all it contains an excellent chronological survey of models. But above all, its approach based on wage bargain and mark-up pricing has great relevance in terms of real world phenomena, in contrast to most mecroeconomic textbooks based in the unrealistic competitive model. The main contribution is to set an scenario for a feasible and intelligent social negotiation and for economic policy, instead of definitive "natural" outcomes of economic performance. I hope the authors keep on updating this book

Jorge Ibarra. National University of Mexico