Perry Books

The Case of the Worried Waitress, by Erle Stanley Gardner

The 'Foreword' is dedicated to Marshall Houts, who gave up a lucrative law practice to become an investigator for the Court of Last Resort. Houts investigated several murder cases in which innocent men had been wrongfully convicted, and brought about a satisfactory conclusion. Houts created 'Trauma', a publication that deals with the field of legal medicine. Forensic medicine applies to many cases, from accidents to the more publicized murders.

Perry Mason and Della Street have lunch at a restaurant, and are served by a new waitress Katherine Ellis. The next morning Kit Ellis visits Mason for a consultation about her Aunt Sophia. Kit's parents were killed in an automobile accident, she was left penniless, and moved in with Aunt Sophia (who met a divorced man, and turned over her money to him). After he died of heat stroke, his first wife took everything (their divorce wasn't final). Perry Mason said this could be a partnership, and Sophia could claim half of the property. Kit says Aunt Sophia has a hatbox filled with cash, and she is afraid of burglars. Perry advises her to move out for her own safety. Soon Perry gets a phone call from Kit Ellis; she is being accused of theft by a Stuart Baxley. Baxley hired a private detective to get fingerprints from the hatbox. Paul Drake said this is difficult. But Perry Mason knows that Macdonell Associates of Corning NY have invented a method to do this with magnetic dust (Chapter 4).

They learn that Aunt Sophia Atwood is in the hospital, someone hit her on the head with a five-cell flashlight. Kit Ellis had gone back to the house by taxi at night to retrieve her shoes and clothing. Lt. Tragg arrests Kit Ellis at Perry's office (Chapter 9). Mason and Paul Drake visit another person who knows Sophia Atwood (Chapter 10). Perry bait a trap with a seemingly missing will (Chapter 11). Does golf get blamed for things that are the result of human carelessness, stupidity , and foolishness (Chapter 12)? Perry assigns an investigation to Paul Drake: put a female operative at the Gillco Company who can pose as a blind woman (Chapter 14).

The Preliminary Hearing begins with Stuart Baxley. Perry destroys his credibility in his cross-examination. The judge expresses doubt as well (Chapter 15). Then Stuart Baxley changes his story again! In Chapter 16 Perry thinks of a theory that can explain the strange events at that house. Perry and Paul find a cache of money, and are found out by Lt. Tragg (Chapter 17).

In Chapter 18 Perry brings in a surprise witness who reveals shocking secrets! Lt. Tragg admits fingerprints on the flashlight do not match Perry's client, and do match fingerprints on the water cooler, but are from an unknown person. Perry later hands Lt. Tragg some fingerprints to analyze. Kit Ellis is freed to rejoin her Aunt Sophia (Chapter 19). [This has one of the happiest endings in this series.] One point is how medicine has advanced so what could have killed in the past is now treatable. Another point is how a person's fortune can suddenly be changed due to circumstances beyond their control. There is a lesson here, but the young will not learn it.

We all know how brilliant Perry Mason is, and in 'Worried Waitress' he shows it off like never before. This time, he's up against impossible odds [not to mention Hamilton Burger] in a case that is virtually nailed shut. The mystery whirls through multiple case-changing revelations until it reaches the final court-room scene, in which Mason throws out an ace like you've never seen. This one is a fitting end to the 80+ series starring Perry Mason, and it's got to be read to be believed.

Set on the east side of Manhattan, Cecil's New Year's Eve Tail is a children's picturebook following Cecil the wealthy and well-dressed snake. Though Cecil carries himself with impeccable poise, he is distressed that the human world seems to reject him. Just as he is on the verge of giving up, his friends remind him to take part in their holiday celebration - and Cecil learns that fitting in the human world is not as important as being oneself in the company of true friends. A glossary of words that may be unfamiliar to young people rounds out this kindly holiday tale, featuring simple color illustrations of a snake who tries to dress like humans.

What a wonderful book to share with children during the holidays! There are so few books out there that cover New Year's as a holiday, and Cecil's Tail, is one you'll love to add to your library.

Cecil lives in Manhattan, and is a highly respected citizen. His family was wealthy and well thought of in England. The Queen even knighted his grandfather for his services to the court. But one day, Cecil finds himself an outcast among his peers when he receives an invitation to a New Year's Eve Ball. All the guests are asked to wear their finest things and patent leather dancing shoes. Cecil is beside himself because he doesn't own a pair of patent leather dancing shoes. Why doesn't he just buy a pair? This is easier said than done. You see, Cecil is a Snake!

Cecil's New Year's Eve Tail is the second book in Marie Fritz Perry's career that she has written and illustrated. The illustrations are done in wonderful watercolor, ink, and colored pencil - all of which bring the story to life. Perry's also done a wonderful job wrapping us with her words about the craziness of finding the perfect outfit for a party, wanting to hide from our problems, and reminding us that our friends like us no matter who we are.

Stories for Children Editor, VS Grenier

This book is a fascinating window on the life and character of Earle Charlton, the quintessential entrepreneur. Winston Churchil, said that "we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Earle Charlton's life and legacy is a remarkably American story. From the meager lifestyle of a blacksmith's son to the phenomenal financial success, wealth happiness, cultivation of family and finally to the full expression of his charitable impulses; he embodies every business person's dreams. This book helps to convey the humanity and sensitivity of a man driven to succeed personally while not losing sight of the trials and sufferings of others less fortunate. This is a great account of an entrepreneurial dream capstoned with a legacy of humane philanthropy. Everyone should read the story of the life of Earle P. Charlton for inspiration, focus, civic mindedness and family values.

The Charlton Story is a well-written and important tribute to one of America's greatest business entrepreneurs. Earle Perry Charlton, one of the five founding fathers who made the F.W. Woolworth Co. the most successful and well-known discount chain of all time, was also one of the most generous of men. His personal letters, many of which are reprinted in this book, provide insight into his strong business ethics ...his dealings with employees...and much more. This book is a fine addition to the library of anyone interested in business or biography.

This was the first book i have read from this author. I highly recommend "Chasing Faith" to all who might enjoy a good christian fiction mystery/love story. The characters were believeable in conveying the struggles of a person growing in the Lord. Well done.

Chasing Faith was an excellent book...I just finished reading it and you know when a book is good you don't want it to end; all I can say, Stephanie, you are Truly amazing! You are an excellent writer; this was the first book I read by you and I can see what I was missing. From the beginning, you captured my attention with Christian's adventurous and dangerous career as an FBI agent; then you showed us how really strong this young woman was both spiritually and physically in the choices she made. I am so glad she found a man like Sebastian...he truly was a gift from God. Thank you for a great read and I will be checking out more of your books.

This is a delightful book with vibrant, amusing pictures, predictable rhyming words, and a happy ending! I teach first grade and use this book as an interactive read-aloud because of the rhymes, when teaching a farm theme, and with my ELL learners to help with naming animals, colors, etc. By the way, Peggy is my very talented cousin, Chuck is our Uncle Charlie, and we took many rides in the back of "Old Blue", mostly to the Dairy Queen in Vinita, Oklahoma!

Wonderful book about how all of Chuck's farm animals team up to help fix the broken down truck that transports them all to town. Great rhymes and great illustrations!

I think Perry's book entitled Western Civilization is very lear, articulate and comprehensive. I have been using it in My Humanities courses and it is the best book I have come across so far.

As an adult student, I feared having to take History 101. It was an online class, and the professor I had was not very good, but this book taught me a lot. The authors emphasize the relationship of ethics and morality with the development of western religions and governments from early Mesopotamia until 1789. For example, it helped me to understand the different viewpoints of the contemporary issues happening in the Middle East (why and how religion serves as a basis for many governments.)

If you are considering taking a History course that uses this textbook, or just want to learn more about how our world's societies have developed, I highly recommend this book. I didn't continue with History 102, but I did buy Volume II of this book series from Perry, et al., to continue my understanding world issues. Please join me!

The book came in new condition and was worth the monry - it has condensed information that helps in clinical work.

This book is like a pocket (almost) sized version of my maternity nursing textbook. Very practical size to carry in your bag or keep in your locker if you are a new nurse or a nursing student. Covers health promotion, conception, pregnancy and complications of pregnancy, labor and labor complications, postpartum and postpartum complications, newborn assessment, complications and nutrition, and medications. This book also has an English-Spanish translation appendix, cultural beliefs appendix and nursing dx section. Pt teaching is also addressed at various points throughout the text. Handy, handy, handy!!!

This is a great book for everyone. I can see high school students,high school guidance counselors, parents, current college students, and administrators all utilizing this book. Perry shares a lot of knowledge and resources that are not often shared. Additionally, it is filled with factual information and inspirational quotes that can be used in so many ways. The text is light and a pleasure to read. I highly recommend it!

This is a great book! It definitely is a must read for those entering college.

This book was great. Well written and fun to read (especially if you are from Philadelphia but not just for those from Philadelphia).

I first discovered Mr. Solmssen's novels while in law school in the '70s, and his books still stand as the very best fiction I've read centering on the practice of law. Not only are his accounts of the practice far richer and more realistic than, say, Grisham's -- his characters are real, three-dimensional people, and he develops a sense of time and place that still rings true.

It is a shame that this fiction never caught on with the general public, having been crowded out by far inferior competition. Still, the discerning reader would be well rewarded by seeking out from the library or an out-of-print dealer, in order, "Rittenhouse Square;" "Alexander's Feast;" and "The Comfort Letter." Another novel by Solmssen, "A Princess in Berlin," is even better than those three, and a sort of distant prequel.

These colleagues are well recognized as Parkinson experts, and the information and clinical insights provided in this compact text are absolutely first rate for seasoned professionals as well as newcomers to movement disorders. I have used this as the primary teaching tool for the Allied Team Training Program sponsored by the National Parkinson Foundation, and it gets rave reviews from nurses as well as allied health professionals.
Susan Imke, RN, GNP-C, Ft. Worth, TX

This book is a well written, well organized and up-to-date resource. The authors expertise in working with individuals with Parkinson's disease is evident as they cover such topics as approach to clinical care, motor and nonmotor symptoms, caregiving, surgical options, palliative care, rehabilitation, and complementary and alternative medicine. Every health care professional that cares for this population of patients or knows someone with Parkinson's disese should read this comprehensive book and have it on their shelf as it is an EXCELLENT and one-of-kind resource.