In 1995 the Mystery Writers of America published a list entitled The Top 100 Mystery Novels of All Time.
Ross Macdonald: The Chill (1963) was listed at #91. (See the complete list here)
THE CHILL was published in 1963 (50 years ago)Synopsis (Google Books)
Private detective Lew Archer has better things to do than take on an investigation for Alex Kincaid, a young man claiming that his new bride, Dolly, has gone missing.
Snapped by a hotel photographer on the day of their wedding, the beautiful girl vanished only hours after and Alex has heard nothing since.
But when Archer begins digging, he finds evidence that links Dolly to brutal murders that span two decades, and a terrible secret.
Click on the cover to the right to read the first few pages.
Kerrie - I always liked the Lew Archer character. I think MacDonald/Millar drew him very well. Thanks for reminding me of this one.
ReplyDeleteThis is a brilliant book. I think it is his nod to the old Golden Age mysteries. I'm surprised you who run the Agatha Christie meme for mystery blogs didn't mention that it has a very Agatha Christie-like surprise ending. The finale in THE CHILL literally had me gasping in awe. It so rightly deserves being on any list of the best mysteries of all time.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed reading all the contributions to FFB this week more than I think I ever have. Thanks for the review.
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