Perry Mason in the Case of the Burning Bequest Paperback – January 1, 1991

This is Thomas Chastain's second "Perry Mason" book; I also reviewed his first book (The Case of Too Many Murders). I finished this a few days ago. Once again, and enjoyable story; mostly believable that I was reading an ESG Perry Mason.Either Mr Chastain changed his style, or (more likely) I was used to his writing; the things that jarred me in the first book are here, too -- but knowing that they would be absent, they weren't as jarring is the first time.One thing that hit me hard was the Paul Drake, Jr and Perry Mason dialogue. In this book, it sounded a lot like the original Paul Drake... and that was hard to swallow. Paul Drake, Sr, called Perry Mason "Perry" -- but his son shouldn't be calling Perry Mason "Perry" - it sounded very much like Paul Drake (the original) - when I reminded myself that this was Paul, Jr, the "OK, Perry" didn't ring true. Perry would probably have been a godparent to Paul, Jr, and may even have been an "Uncle Perry."Bottom line: A good story, but not quite the same.

Although not written by Earle Stanley Gardner, it is true to the original novels for the most part. The characters are older and the interaction between Mason and Street not emphasized as much but I enjoyed the book.

I've read almost all of Erle Stanley Gardner's books and loved them. This was good reading for someone else writing the Perry Mason Books.

Potential buyers of this novel should understand that it is not by the original creator of Perry Mason, Erle Stanley Gardner. Still, that should not prove to be a distraction as the novel mimics Gardners's writing quite well. The story is told in simple language in chronological order, making it easy to read. The basic plot is that a woman is killed and a man is accused of killing her. Mason is hired to defend him. Since we know that he never loses a case we can be sure that the accused is innocent. There are really only two other suspects--one obvious and one not so obvious. All the familiar characters are present. Enjoyable reading for fans of this character, but not very challenging.

I read the book as soon as I received it. It was Perry Mason like I remember him. I have the other Thomas ChastainPerry Mason and reading this one, was worth it. Thanks much.

The book was available at a reasonable price. The postage and handling was typical of what other used book sellers charge.

A sad come-down after Gardiner. Quality of writing is lame.

This book reads like you are watching the Perry Mason TV show.The only disappointment is that Chastain only wrote two books.

Wonderful book

Nice book. Not like the original but ok