Who Thinks It’s the Best?
I recently listened to an audio version of the book, Trent’s Last Case, by E. C. Bentley.
I learned of the work when reading that Bentley’s contemporaries, Agatha Christie and G. K. Chesterton (writer of the Father Brown stories), both praised the story. Chesterton touted it as the best detective story ever written, and Christie thought it one of the three best.
Given the talent and success of both Christie and Chesterton, I wanted to analyze the story for myself. Every work helps me learn to write better — or sometimes solidifies how I don’t want to write.
I’ve not been able to find any information about why Christie and Chesterton thought the story so superb, but here’s my take on it.
Do I Think It’s the Best?
It was written in 1913, so its phrasing and technique are of that era. The descriptions are long, and I typically don’t care much for long passages of narrative.
— But I enjoyed most of the narrative in this story because it paints the characters and the story very well. I could “see” the characters and storyworld.
— The story was complex, and there were multiple suspects, which makes for a well-crafted mystery.
— And what I like the most, the clues were all there, and they were logical. So the reader could figure it out along with the detective.
Most good mysteries have those elements.
But I believe Christie and Chesterton rated it so highly because of the final twist. And it ends with the best of all endings — a logical, satisfying explanation that is completely surprising.
To me, it isn’t the absolute best mystery story ever. It’s very good, but I think the 1913 style of writing keeps me from naming it my favorite. And a multitude of mysteries have been written since then.
But if you love puzzling out a whodunit, I recommend this classic book. Trent’s Last Case is in the public domain, so you can download a printed or audio copy free of charge.
Can you recommend a book with a logical, satisfying, and surprising ending?
The Best Mystery Story Ever – What's your favorite story and why? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
At the moment, I cannot think of the “best” mystery, although I enjoy reading mysteries and suspense. Like you, I don’t enjoy the style of centuries old literature as much as some of the more current books. Mainly for the reasons you mention, very long descriptions and the more formal language of the period. Although, I have been known to read many of the older classics.
I appreciate you reading my post and sharing your thoughts, Katherine.
I can’t think of a good mystery book right off hand, but my mind went to the Bible and the mystery of it that will be solved in the end. One mystery the Bible solves now is in Ephesians 3:6 “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.”
Thanks for commenting, Jane. I know you read widely, so hope you find a good mystery to read.
I was unfamiliar with this story, but your comments make me want to check it out. Thanks.
Thanks for commenting, Phyllis. Hope you enjoy the story. 🙂