The Case of the Stuttering Bishop

by Erle Stanley Gardner

Book Overview

Criminal lawyer and bestselling mystery author Erle Stanley Gardner wrote nearly 150 novels that have sold 300 million copies worldwide. Now, the American Bar Association is bringing back his most... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345356802
• Release Date: November 1988
• Publisher: Fawcett
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 0.5" x 4.0"

Customer Reviews

Hamilton Burger is depicted as a reasonably intelligent man, which was a refreshing change

This story opens with a man claiming to be an Australian bishop walking into Mason's office and asking for Mason's help in a legal matter against a millionaire. However, the man stutters terribly and after he leaves neither Mason or Della Street can believe that he is actually a bishop. After the man is hit on the head, the story takes on many convolutions, in my opinion it is close to the most complex case that Mason has taken on. Gardner introduces many options, develops them slowly and then suddenly the "truth" comes out in a few pages. There are many possible suspects and near the end, Mason says that he has come up with an explanation that is a wild one, yet it is the only one that fits the facts. There are impersonations, ruthless con men and other lesser characters that distract you from the search for the real killers. The best part of the book is the scene where Mason is in the office of Hamilton Burger, his courtroom opponent. Unlike many of the other Perry Mason books, Burger is depicted as a man who respects and even likes Perry Mason and not as a bumbling fool with simplistic tunnel vision. This in combination with the complexity of the plot makes this one of the best Perry Mason stories.

A Fantastic Trip Into Noir

Enter a world of dark shadows, private dicks, and dames. Gardner's novel is hard-boiled and thrilling. Don't expect much characterization from Gardner, though; his specialty is non-stop action. Although the plot is a bit convoluted and at times difficult to follow, I really enjoyed the fast pace and sense of place. Highly recommended!

Another Complex and Intriguing Case

Bishop William Mallory of Sydney, Australia visits Perry Mason about a manslaughter case. Could a sudden emotional shock cause stuttering? Perry calls Paul Drake to see if the bishop is genuine (Chapter I). They find where Mallory is staying, but there is a mysterious attack on Mallory in his hotel room. An ambulance came for him, then another ambulance came for him! They track down the woman who visited him (Chapter II). Her story about a personal ad checks out (Chapter III). But the bishop got on a ship bound for Australia (Chapter IV). Julia Branner, formerly Mrs. Oscar Brownley, visits Perry and tells of her past life and what she wants (Chapter V). Perry visits Renwold C. Brownley and they discuss the case (Chapter VI). An early morning phone call wakes Perry with the message that a woman has shot and killed Renwold C. Brownley (Chapter VII)! Perry finds that Julia Branner had gone to the waterfront, and saw another woman shoot Brownley. Perry tells her to not answer questions and he'll try to help her (Chapter VIII). Julia Branner was arrested for murder, Mallory disappeared from his ship (Chapter IX). Della's impersonation of Janice Seaton draws out two private investigators (Chapter X). Perry meets the granddaughter of Brownley, and finds Victor Stockton, one of the two private investigators, with a scheme that will trap Perry in a crime! Perry meets Philip Brownley, the grandson, who tells what he knows (this substantiates what a witness saw). When Perry interviews Julia Branner in jail he gets an unpleasant surprise. Paul Drake found a yachtsman who visited Mallory (Chapter XII). Perry visits Hamilton Burger to explain his actions. Burger gives Perry little time to justify his story. It doesn't look good for Perry and his client (Chapter XIII). The preliminary examination of Julia Branner begins in Chapter XIV, this reviews the known facts about the shooting. Perry notes the strange facts: if the shooter ran away, and Brownley was dead, who drove the car off the wharf? Perry is in an impossible situation. If Brownley drove off the wharf, he was not shot dead by Julia Branner (Chapter XV). A chance remark by Della Street puts a new light on one person's activities the night of the murder. Perry plays this hand and it pays off (Chapter XVI). They find out what happened to Bishop Mallory (Chapter XVII). Perry explained what happened, and why Julia Branner refused to talk (Chapter XVIII). The next chapter concludes this case. In this story Perry was very close to jail and disbarment. He was involved in more action than in other stories. This 1936 novel reflects the outlook of its day.

Enjoyable Book

I really enjoyed this book. I've always enjoyed the perry mason books.