In this issue: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Gaslight's "The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply" Mystery Re: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply -----------------------------THE POSTS----------------------------- Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
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Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
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Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998 04:31:20 -0800 (PST) From: "J. Alec West" <j(at)alecwest.com> Subject: Gaslight's "The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply" Mystery I think the solution to these mystery repetitions lies with the Majordomo at Mt. Royal. If you'll notice, Sam's posts all have the exact same date/time of transmission ... meaning it isn't being re-sent, over and over again. It sounds like it's just spooling around in the Majordomo's mailer queue. FWIW, I've been archiving Gaslight digests for a while on my website page, "The Mystery Vault," located at this URL: http://alecwest.com/mysvault.htm And, I'm [snip snip]-ing out all duplications I find. Hope the mystery of these repetitions is solved soon. J. Alec West j(at)alecwest.com http://alecwest.com
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Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998 06:31:41 -0600 From: smdawes(at)home.com Subject: Re: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply What is going on with this message? Every time I delete one, I get 3 more back. Can anyone stop the madness? Marta Sam Karnick wrote: > > Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. > > (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. > > A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. > > Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. > > I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. > > Best w's, > > S.T. Karnick > > >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> > I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss > starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective > story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and > treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but > I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged > detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of > good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, > making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and > includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the > detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in > his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell > right to him). > > We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how > Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. > Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their > different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps > a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as > definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police > detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a > life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an > execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will > do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't > seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever > obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a > boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment > during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well > toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and > the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous > "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst > (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are > employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people > feeling safe from the highwaymen. > > As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, > and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let > other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. > I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his > possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the > significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. > Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were > willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the > surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. > > Richard King > rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
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Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
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Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
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Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
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Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
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Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu ------------------------------ End of Gaslight Digest V1 #29 *****************************