Mystery Stories of Violet Strange

Kliatt, May, 2003 by Bette D. Ammon

Includes: "The Golden Slipper," "The Second Bullet," "The Intangible Clew," "The Grotto Spectre," "The Dreaming Lady," "The House of Clocks," "The Doctor, His Wife and the Clock," "Missing Page Thirteen," and "Violet's Own." Anna Katharine Green. 1915/2002. Read by Shelly Frasier. 8 cds. 9.5 hrs. Tantor Media (www.tantor.com). 1-4001-0037-0. $42.00. Plastic; content notes. JSA

Called "the mother of the detective novel 3 Anna Katharine Green's writing career began in 1878. One of her characters was the resolute and clever debutante Violet Strange. She was definitely a sleuth to be reckoned with, as this audio recording of the Violet Strange stories reveals through nine short mysteries. With skill and finesse she figures out who is stealing the jewelry, finds out about hidden tombs and creepy characters, and diligently makes her own living against society's odds.

Frasier's dulcet tones suit Violet's character perfectly. The old-fashioned language and storylines play pleasantly with Frasier's somewhat multi-voiced performance. Agatha Christie fans and those who loved finding Louisa May Alcott's lost potboilers will enjoy this. Bette D. Ammon, Director, Missoula P.L., Missoula. MT