The Case of the Howling Dog

Perry Mason is starting to get a reputation for his courtroom behavior so when a new client called Arthur Cartright shows up complaining about a howling dog and asking advice about a will, he is a bit surprised. But he is also intrigued - so he decides to check the case. Complications show up almost immediately - noone else seems to have heard the howling, a will shows up that contradicts what the client had asked about and the client cannot be found by anyone. Add a new building, a Chinese cook who is shipped home, two marriages that seem to be more complicated than they should. And all that before bodies started to drop. And Mason ended with more than one customer.

Paul Drake and Della Street are getting more defined (although Drake show more seems to be a bit too cocky although Mason is even worse) and the easy camaraderie between them is adding a lot more enjoyment in the story.

I was surprised that Perry did not see where the bodies were earlier but then he did not grow up watching CSI and Law and Order. It was a bit predictable because it is a classic way to handle the story but considering when this one was written, it probably was a lot more surprising. And the end was perfect - it was a lot more a crime story than a courtroom drama and it is stronger for it.

And unlike the usual cases when Perry needs to scramble for a way out of a problem, in this case he has so many proofs and ways to prove his case that he does not even to disclose all of them. It was an interesting twist.

Another enjoyable entry in the series (although you need to ignore the racism and outdated views in places). And I seem to enjoy these old stories a lot more than I expected. show less

There are all kinds of Perry Mason novels out there. The erstwhile ESG is after all famous for his prolific writing. But sans Tragg and Hamilton Burger, this book has that verve, the spirit of Mason distilled into one wonderful, twisting novel, with Mason doing his forethought and drama that blows the mind, while ESG spins a tale that just goes on and on.

I know, I can't stop waxing about this one. When I make recommendations to the Mason virgins out there, THIS is the work I will point to!

“We’re a dramatic people,” Perry Mason said slowly. “We’re not like the English. The English want dignity and order. We want the dramatic and the spectacular. It’s a national craving. We’re geared to a rapid rate of thought. We want to have things move in a spectacular manner.”

4.5 Stars

A little confusing at times, or else it would be in 5 star territory.

I read on a forum the other day that the early books are strong with Perry Mason doing a lot of investigating and even crossing into the illegal territory but that the author calms down later - what a shame to hear as I love the way the early books are set up. Plenty of investigation, and the book closes with extensive and detailed court drama. Perry discusses a show more surprisingly layered, intelligent lecture on human psychology with juries and audiences in a realistic way with a young law clerk - intriguing stuff.

I read on the author's life a bit online and would be curious to know more about him. It's clear these cases are inspired from experience more than only thoughts on these matters. He was a lawyer who got a bit bored with the legalities other than trials, which fits Mason a bit as well since he likes the daring and twisted cases.

He is always shown to be protective of his clients, but the opening was especially - shall I say sweet? - with his worry about a first-time client being mentally ill and needing extra help. The clients don't stay the same necessarily as the game changes the more players are added and more twists that pop up.

We get a nod back to the book as Della tells him she's learned her lesson to trust him ultimately and that she will never doubt him again, but the same can't be said for Paul Drake who keeps telling him he's crossing too many lines - legally and questionably, in regards to not only the law but the media - and his young lawyer in training who's fascinated by Perry but uncertain that the case is falling sour.

I don't fully get everything, unfortunately, but it was still twisted good and my favorite so far. The audiobook if this is highly recommended.

The story gets much more complicated than I pictured, twists and turns I didn't guess, with a grand finale of a court ending. Full review to come. show less

My favorite in the series so far. Plenty of Perry's classic courtroom theatrics and uncanny foresight that keeps him always one (often several) step ahead of the district attorney.

One odd observation was the author's awkward use of the word "commencing" where "starting" or "beginning" would fit much more naturally, as in "I'm commencing to think so." The word was used 11 times in this short book.

I was not expecting the ambiguity of the ending! Loved it. The blatant racism is hard to read, but true to the time, and a good reminder of the norms we came from.

I loved the Perry Mason TV show growing up but haven't read the books. The writing is okay but not as good as that of many mystery authors of this period. One example is the repetition of Mason's full name - it just wasn't necessary, we know who the character is!

That flaw was compensated for by the ingenuity of the plot, both of the legal strategy and the murder.

Vintage ESG. The story itself wasn't that compelling, but the dialogue, the rhythm of the patter, of this 1934 potboiler is quite enjoyable.