Customer Reviews

The Columbo Collection

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A fine group of short stories by one of the creators of the famous show. Peter Falk is unfortunately suffering from Alzheimer's I believe(best wishes to him and his family). These tales are a good way to remember him and the marvelous character he fleshed out on the many episodes.

Not really mysteries, the show never was, it's really about Columbo matching wits with criminals who usually mistake his little mannerisms for stupidity. There's even one story where the murderer, a cop, says, "I know all your little tricks!"

It does him no good.

the fun here is watching Columbo slowly manuever these killers until there's no where they can bluff their way out.

Worth a look.

Mr Link has demonstrated once again his understanding of character - his tight plot lines - and his genius in producing the most intriguing mysteries of our decade. This collection of new Columbo stories was not only delightful to breeze through but reconfirmed the excellence of the entire Columbo opus. Columbo is a enormous milestone in the mystery genre - books, movies or television.

After reading this book you can hear from one of the men who actually did create this fantastic character. As you read each story the characteristics and mannerisms of Columbo coming seaping through the pages at you.

You can visualise the expressions on Columbo's face and his thoughts as he pieces together the clues as he encloses the villians in each story. You even hear from through Columbo's character about his wife, his relations and off course about 'dog'.

I cant wait for Mr. Link to complete his next edition of THE COLUMBO EDITION (which he is working on now) because it is a real enjoyable read reliving this likable, clever, intense and devoted character through the pages of these short stories. There will never be another Peter Falk but maybe there is someone who through their ability can continue the character on tv and use Mr. Link's brilliant ideas for their episodes.

A must read for all Columbo fans and general murder mystery, who dunnit readers!!

I distinctly remember in junior high school when my peers wore t-shirts to show their favorite sports teams or tv-show logos (yes, it was the late 70s) that I had little desire to follow suit. Instead (when the weather allowed) I would wear a crumbled raincoat like my second favorite detective (the deerstalker cap of my most favorite would have really caused issues!) To this day, Columbo remains a favorite detective. I own the complete series of DVDs starring Peter Falk at his best and one can't help but read Columbo-creator William Link's words in this story collection without seeing Falk deliver the lines around the stub of a cigar clenched between his teeth. The Columbo Collection is classic Columbo. I can only hope this is the first in a series, and as I delayed turning the final page I kept hoping to hear that gravely voice stop me by saying "Just one more thing..." I hungrily await the next volume!

My husband and I really enjoyed the Columbo TV series/movies. (We are buying the DVD's as they become available.) I was sorry to hear of Peter Falk's passing. This book is a good way to obtain some additional Columbo, since no more shows will be made (at least with Peter Falk). The book was written by William Link, one of the original creators of Columbo who, of course, knows Columbo better than most. As you read each story, you can totally picture Columbo in his rumpled raincoat, holding his chewed up cigar, with a (quite deceiving) dim-witted expression on his face. The only thing I didn't like about the 12 stories was that they were short, so the characters and plots weren't able to get very well developed before Columbo solved the mystery. I would, however, still recommend the book to any Columbo fan.

Here is a wonderful treat for die-hard Columbo fans. I have long missed his TV presence and these 12 short stories rekindle my nostalgia. The essence of the Lieutenant is colorfully captured,down to his raincoat and mannerisms. The clever twists and satisfying solutions remind me why this cigar-chomping detective remains my favorite mystery series. It's all here. An enjoyable read that leaves me wanting more.

Matty Miller

I love short stories. I don't usually have the time to read novels, but this was a rainy night in Los Angeles...we don't have too many of those. I actually bought The Columbo Collection as a Christmas gift for a friend. But, it was raining and I was not going to go out in such bad weather. I decided to take a peek into the book. I couldn't put it down. It was delicious reading. I kept the book for myself and then had to go out and buy another for my friend. What a wonderful way to spend the evening...curled up in bed with The Columbo Collection.

Everyone in my family has always loved Columbo; so much so that we actually thought we knew the character personally. In recent times, we have sorely missed seeing him on our screen on a regular basis. However, now we can relish him again in this delightful collection by one of the two original creators, William Link. Link has managed to evoke the essence of Columbo in this delightful book. The quirky personality of our favorite irascible detective practically leaps off the page and by the finish, we see the blending/overlapping of the multiple characters that went into the creation of our beloved "private eye";the very talented Peter Falk, William Link and his late partner, Richard Levinson, who both created Columbo. Link has paid a wonderful tribute to each of them with this very literate offering. It is really a terrific, "fun" read!

Looking at the photo of Link and Falk on the back book cover, I actually thought I saw the two of them blending into each other! Where does one end and the other begin?

As actor Peter Falk's health declines, it seems increasingly unlikely that we will ever see another television episode of the classic series, Columbo. However, this collection, written by series co-creator William Link, helps ease that passage, just a little bit.

As one might imagine, Link captures the tone and voice of the series perfectly. (And why not; he's one of the major architects of that voice.) Each story reads like a treatment for a new episode of the show. And like the series, he even deviates from the formula on occasion. Like the show, most stories start with us witnessing the murder, then trying to see how Columbo unravels what should have been the perfect crime. But there's a whodunnit or two here as well, and stories where Columbo shows up before the murder takes place.

It's a fun book, both for fans of the show or for a new audience. Thank you, William Link, for revisiting an old favorite again, and giving us such a treat.

These short stories are perfect crime gems with lots of wit and invention. Columbo is endearing and slightly repulsive while luring the culprits into submission. These are entertaining glimpses into the dark side of humanity and greed. This is a book for your next holiday.