The Agony Column [Paperback]

Earl Derr Biggers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 3, 2006

In the days of Sherlock Holmes it was in the Times that it flourished, and many a criminal was tracked to earth after he had inserted some alluring mysterious message in it. Later the Telegraph gave it room; but, with the advent of halfpenny journalism, the simple souls moved en masse to the Mail.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Hard Press (November 3, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1406946648
• ISBN-13: 978-1406946642
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,143,618 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery and Romance of the Old Order, March 20, 2008

By 

Bobby Underwood "starlighthotel" (Manly NSW, Australia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Agony Column (Kindle Edition)

"The Agony Column" is a perfect brew of mystery and romance of the old-fashioned variety. Perhaps no one other than M.M. Kaye blended these two elements as well as Earl Derr Biggers. Forever remembered for his creation of Charlie Chan, the great detective from Hawaii, many of Biggers' other novels are just as enjoyable. Such is the case here.

Written in 1916, the Great War very much plays a part in this tale of love, murder and spies. When a young woman catches the eye and heart of a young American in London, his only chance may be a bit of impropriety called "The Daily."

The personal Geoffrey West writes catches her attention and with some misgivings she agrees to read his personal correspondence. Her growing affection turns to dread and worry, however, as her heart is plunged deep into the plight of this young man desperately trying to prove his innocence after a murder occurs and the possibility of it involving spies during wartime is broached.

There is excitement and peril of the old-fashioned variety as the tale is told by the young Geoffrey, seeking the love of a young woman he may not get to ever meet in person unless he can clear himself. She, on the other hand, is frantic she will have to return by ship with her father, a Texas politician, before she discovers what has become of her young suitor.

Biggers throws in a startling surprise to keep readers on their toes. They too will hang on every word written to discover the outcome. The ending is both satisfying and, in the vein of the mystery, romantic in the old-fashioned way.

A refreshing change from today's mysteries, filled with graphic violence and tawdry escapades, "The Agony Column" has more in commom with the early British films of Hitchcock than anything else. A refreshing change of pace for those who prefer classic mystery and old-fashioned romance.