Wodehouse on Crime : Book Review

"Wodehouse on Crime" is a captivating collection of short stories by the renowned humorist P.G. Wodehouse. In this delightful anthology, Wodehouse showcases his versatility as a writer, exploring the world of crime with his trademark wit and clever storytelling.

The book opens with "The Death at the Excelsior," a murder mystery set in a country hotel. With his unique humor, Wodehouse takes readers on a journey of intrigue and hilarity as they unravel the truth behind the crime. The blend of comedy and suspense is a testament to Wodehouse's skill as a writer.

Fans of Jeeves and Wooster will be delighted to find them featured in some of the stories. One such tale, "Jeeves and the Greasy Bird," sees Bertie Wooster embroiled in a scandalous heist. With Jeeves' assistance, the duo navigates a series of mishaps and misunderstandings, creating an entertaining and light-hearted adventure.

One standout story is "The Magic Plus Fours," which introduces the eccentric Adrian Mulliner. In this comical tale, Adrian discovers a pair of magical golfing trousers that bring him unexpected success on the course. However, the trousers also lead to hilarious misadventures. Wodehouse's impeccable comedic timing and talent for crafting absurd situations make this story a true highlight of the anthology.

"Wodehouse on Crime" is a must-read for fans of P.G. Wodehouse and those who appreciate crime fiction with a touch of humor. With his sharp storytelling and memorable characters, Wodehouse transforms the world of crime into a captivating and entertaining experience. Each story is a delightful gem that showcases Wodehouse's brilliance as a crime writer.

What are readers saying?

Wodehouse on Crime, a compilation of short stories curated by P.G. Wodehouse himself, has garnered a mixed response from readers on Goodreads. The book features an assortment of mystery and crime tales penned by esteemed authors, all carefully chosen by Wodehouse.

Numerous readers lauded the book for its wit and humor, finding the stories to be light-hearted and entertaining, exemplifying Wodehouse's signature style. The comedic elements were praised, as readers found themselves frequently bursting into laughter while perusing. The clever dialogue and hilarious situations admirably captivated readers, leaving them craving for more.

However, a subset of reviewers expressed their opinion that the crime aspect of the stories fell short. They deemed the mysteries to be predictable and lacking in suspense. The committed crimes tended to be trivial and failed to pique much interest. Consequently, individuals seeking gripping and exhilarating crime fiction may find this anthology somewhat underwhelming.

Certain readers also noted a sense of repetition in the stories, which grew monotonous over time. They recommended a greater diversity in writing styles and themes to enrich the reading experience. While the stories proved enjoyable in isolation, they lost their allure when read successively, according to these reviewers.

On a positive note, many readers expressed their appreciation for the nostalgia and charm emanating from the stories. They commended Wodehouse for transporting them back in time, beautifully capturing the essence of a bygone era. The characters were deemed well-rounded and endearing, their idiosyncratic personalities adding to the overall delight of the book.

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