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This week is all about the letter L. L is for Lockridge. Frances and Richard Lockridge. This husband and wife team created several series detectives in various mystery novels from the late 1930s through the 1960s. These detectives include Inspector Heimrich, Detective Nathan Shapiro, Paul Lane, Bernie Simmons, and their most famous creation, Mr. & Mrs. (Jerry & Pam) North. The North novels also feature Lt. (later Captain) Bill Weigand and Sgt. Mullins. All of these stories, while revolving around sometimes brutal murders, are very light and breezy in tone. The perfect afternoon read when one wants a good, fun mystery that won't require too much brain power. I love Pam North and her illogical logic...her way of making intuitive jumps that always bring Bill Weigand to the correct solution in the end. I also like the way the Lockridges involve the many cats of the Norths and the dog of Shapiro in the stories. They have a way of writing about the animals in a very accurate yet humorous way that stops short of being too cutesy. The Lockridge books give readers a nice snapshot of New York City and the surrounding area in 1930s-1960s. For the most part, it seems like a mighty fine place to have been.
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4 comments:
I think I read all the Mr. and Mrs. North books when I was either in high school or junior high. I loved the TV show too! I think it starred Peter Lawford and Phyllis....? Can't remember. Terrific show.
I can vouch for the fact that NYC in 40's, 50's and early 60's was a great place to be. :)
P.S. Read 'em but can't remember 'em. So probably it's time for a reread if I can get my hands on them again. Come to think of it, I did read a couple of them last month sometime...
I have never heard of this writing duo, but I am intrigued. Time for a little investigation of my own!
Thanks for this contribution Bev, it is great to learn about writers like these. Thanks for contributing to this week's CFA
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