The Agony Column is a perfect brew of mystery and romance of the old-fashioned variety. Perhaps no one other than M.M. Kaye blended these two elements as well as Earl Derr Biggers. Forever remembered for his creation of Charlie Chan, the great detective from Hawaii, many of Biggers’s other novels and novellas are just as enjoyable. Such is the case here, in this short but satisfying story. Written in 1916, the Great War very much plays a part in this tale of love, murder and spies. When a young woman catches the eye and heart of a young American in London, his only chance may be a bit of impropriety called ’The Daily.’ The personal Geoffrey West writes catches the attention of the girl in question, and in spite of some misgivings, she agrees to read his personal correspondence. Her growing affection turns to dread and worry, however, as her heart is plunged deep into the plight of this young man desperately trying to prove his innocence after a murder occurs and the possibility of it involving spies during wartime is broached. There is excitement and peril of the old-fashioned variety as the tale is told by the young Geoffrey as he seeks the love of a young woman with whom he may never get to meet in person unless he can clear himself. She, on the other hand, is frantic she will have to return by ship with her father, a Texas politician, before she discovers what has become of her young suitor. Biggers throws in a startling surprise to keep readers on their toes. They too will hang on every word written in the agony column to discover the outcome. The ending is both satisfying and, in the vein of the mystery, romantic in the old-fashioned way. A refreshing change from today’s mysteries, ’The Agony Column’ has more in common with the early British films of Hitchcock than anything else. If you are fond of the romantic style of Biggers so evident in the first Charlie Chan novels, it’s worth reading this mystery novella. Too old-fashioned for some tastes, but a refreshing change of pace for those who prefer classic mystery and old-fashioned romance.
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