Except for One Thing
By John Russell Fearn
Linford Mystery Library: Large Print (2008)
ISBN: 978-1-84782-144-7
Genre: Mystery, Police Procedural
Reviewed by Herbert White - February 6, 2009
Is it really possible to commit the perfect crime and remain undiscovered? Richard Harvey, a scientist with a fiancée that he prefers not to have, thinks that it is indeed possible and sets out to prove his hypothesis. His best friend, Chief Inspector Garth of Scotland Yard thinks that, thanks to modern scientific methods, that all crimes can be solved. He gets to try to prove his theory, while trying to track down the killer of the actress and singer, Valerie Hadfield, his best friend's fiancée.
When Except for One Thing was first published in 1947, it was published under the name of Hugo Blayn. This was one of the numerous pennames used by John Russell Fearn. Despite its age, this is still a great work of crime fiction and police detection. Harvey is a superb bad guy, who despite his greatest efforts still manages to make a few unexpected mistakes. On the other hand, Garth is an excellent detective who uses not only modern scientific techniques to catch the bad guys, but also his fine analytical mind.
Unlike many of today's works of crime fiction that rely upon foul language and violence to move the story along, Fearn uses peppery dialog and a well designed plot to keep the action moving in Except for One Thing. For mystery fans of all ages, Except for One Thing is a well paced, relaxing, and entertaining read.
Except for One Thing can be purchased directly from Ulverscroft, the parent company of the Linford Mystery Library.
Related Reviews:
I Spy..., by John Russell Fearn. Originally published under the pseudonym of Vargo Statten, I Spy... is the rousing story of a scientist who uses his new invention to embark upon a second career as a blackmailer, with tragic results.
The Cleopatra Syndicate, by Sydney J. Bounds.
The death of Maurice Cole does not garner much notice - that is until it is discovered that the perfume he invented has gone missing. The members of the Industrial Counter Espionage agency soon find themselves on the case, and embroiled in an international conspiracy that could lead to a global Holy War.
