Masterpieces of Mystery and Suspense by Martin H. Greenberg

This is a review of three short stories that are presented in the book, "Masterpieces of Mystery and Suspense" compiled by Martin H. Greenberg. This book is divided into four sections: Legendary Sleuths, Masters of the Mystery, Masters of Suspense, and Masterworks of Crime and Detection. My goal is to review some of the stories in each of the four sections and comparing them. After that, my goal is to compare the different sections. In the beginning of the book, the writer discusses the different types of stories listed in the book. I found the introduction to be helpful in understanding the different sections and learning how Detective Fiction and Suspense started. According to the author, Edgar Allan Poe was the first writer of the Mystery genre as well as the psychological suspense and the modern horror story.

"The Copper Beeches" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, "The Blue Cross" by G. K. Chesterton, and "The Submarine Plans" by Agatha Christie are the three stories that I read for this article. These stories are found in the section titled "Legendary Sleuths." These authors wrote stories in the late 1800's to early 1900's.

In "The Blue Cross" by G. K. Chesterton, Valentin is the Head of the Paris Police. He is known as the most famous investigator. The great criminal in the story is Flambeau. He is very sneaky and can escape very quickly from the law. Father Brown, who is a priest, is also a detective. He is involved in solving the case.

At first, the story was difficult to understand. I had trouble following the plot. The story started out with narration. After I had read it twice, I began to understand what was happening. Valentin sets out to locate the sneaky criminal and to bring him into custody. You'll have to read the story to find out if Valentin finds Flambeau and who he is. He disguises himself. His identity is revealed near the end of the story.

In the second story, "The Copper Beaches" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes is the main Detective. Dr. Watson is his assistant. Three other characters were Violet Hunter, Miss Stoper, and Mrs. Rucastle. This story was just as confusing at first. Unlike "The Blue Cross," this story starts out with conversation. Sherlock Holmes receives a letter from Violet Hunter. She is asking his advice about a position as a governess that she was offered. She wants to know whether or not she should take this job. Now, you'll have to read the story to find out why Violet had to ask Sherlock Holmes about the job as a governess. Why couldn't she decide for herself? Why did she involve a detective?

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