Last week for Short Story Wednesday, George Kelley featured a collection of stories by Edward D. Hoch, Funeral in the Fog, which contains 16 Simon Ark mysteries. George's post has an overview of the book and Hoch's short stories, and lists the Table of Contents. The book has an introduction by Gigi Pandian, who describes Simon Ark as an occult detective, "drawn to mysteries that seem to have a supernatural explanation."
On the same day, after reading George's post, I ordered a copy of Funeral in the Fog and another collection of Hoch's stories, Hoch's Ladies, both published by Crippen & Landru. Hoch's Ladies includes stories about three female sleuths: Susan Holt, a department store manager; Libby Knowles, a professional bodyguard; and Annie Sears, a police detective. If you are interested in more information, there are reviews at In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel and George Kelly's blog.
I have not read the stories in either of these books yet but I will be sampling from both of them soon.
I've always thought it would be fun to go to a hot air balloon festival, so that cover appeals to me.
ReplyDeleteI have read his stories in EQMM but never a collection.
ReplyDeleteI do like Hoch's writing, Tracy, so I'm biased. But I think you'll enjoy these collections, and I'm looking forward to reading what you thought of them.
ReplyDeleteTracy, thanks for the shout-out on FUNERAL IN THE FOG! You're going to enjoy it! And, I did review HOCH'S LADIES, too: http://georgekelley.org/fridays-forgotten-books-577-hochs-ladies-by-edward-d-hoch/
ReplyDeleteEd Hoch was a unique writer that deserves more readers and acclaim!
Apologies, another author who I have heard of but don't feel especially tempted by anything by him. Maybe I'll change my mind after you've read and enthused!
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of the Simon Ark series so I will have to be on the lookout for a copy of that book. Amazon has it listed in paperback but the price is over 89 dollars. Too rich for my blood.
ReplyDeleteAt one time I was a C&L subscriber, so I got all of their Hoch collections, and most are still On Shelf. I’ve quite enjoyed his stories, which I consider light fare, good for an afternoon read between heavier things.
ReplyDeleteConstance, I have been to one hot air balloon festival, in Arizona or New Mexico, it has been so long I have forgotten most of it. The balloons are beautiful. I hope the stories in that book will be as good as the cover.
ReplyDeletePatti, so far I have only read Hoch's stories in anthologies, and not many of them.
ReplyDeleteGeorge, I should have known that you had covered Hoch's Ladies on your blog. Thanks for including the link and I will add it to the text above. I have finally figured out how to search your blog.
ReplyDeleteI was first attracted to Hoch's spy stories, although I have still only read a few of them. I am sure I will enjoy them all.
Colman...if you come across "The Oblong Room" by Hoch, try that...
ReplyDeleteMargot, I am glad to hear that you are a fan of Hoch's stories. I look forward to reading the collections.
ReplyDeleteCol, I find I like a lot of different kinds of short stories, and am open to more variety in short stories than in novels. But still, I would say (just guessing at this point) his stories are more puzzle mysteries, and might not appeal to you as much.
ReplyDeleteTodd, I just saw your comment for Col. Funny, I was thinking you might have suggestions for him. Thanks, the suggestions are appreciated.
ReplyDeleteRick, I wish I had subscribed to the Crippen & Landru publications years ago. But I was not really open to short stories back then although I would pick up various anthologies here and there, at the book sale and if they had appealing covers.
ReplyDeleteI do have several C&L collections that I have had for years and need to read. William L. Deandrea, Joe Gores, Victor Canning, Michael Collins, Brendan Dubois, Margaret Millar, Stuart Palmer, Craig Rice.
John, I got my copy of Funeral in the Fog from Amazon at only $22. But if you cannot find it at that price there, you could buy it through the publisher, Crippen and Landru. I have never tried that myself, though.
ReplyDeleteTodd, duly noted ....
ReplyDeleteOff to look these two books up, especially Funeral in the Fog!
ReplyDeleteCath, I do think Funeral in the Fog would appeal to you, especially.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I thought so too, Tracy, so I bought it. LOL
ReplyDeleteCath, you will probably finish reading it before I do. I seem to start reading stories in a lot of collections but it takes me a while to read them all.
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