The Problem of the Evil Editor

As somewhat of a traditionalist, I will admit that I tend to be skeptical of ficitionalized presentations of literary giants. But The Problem of the Evil Editor swept aside all my reservations. Rogow writes with such obvious affection for two very different but equally great English writers (Lewis Carroll and A. Conan Doyle), and she sprinkles in cameos by other writers as well (e.g., Beatrix Potter). Often when I read historical mysteries, I feel as though I am reading a book into which the author has crammed excessive research/detail, but this book finds a lovely balance. I did figure out the murderer's identity in the first half of the book, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the characters, the plot, the cameos, and the atmosphere. And--having been an editor myself for many years--I loved the portrayal of Bassett. Recommended for those who enjoy literary mysteries!

In 1886, Reverend Charles Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, introduces his friend Arthur Conan Doyle, a wannabe author, to his editor Mr. Samuel Basset. However, the children's editor rejects Doyle's stories even as he discards a work from a budding Irish writer named Wilde and a drawing of a rabbit from a Potter as pathetic junk. Basset is simply an ill-tempered individual who upsets everyone in his path. Dodgson turns irate when he learns that Basset sold the first printings of Alice for personal profit and not for charity as the author demanded. However, his anger cools when someone kills Basset. The police feel the odious editor died due to Labour Riots that rock London. Dodgson thinks otherwise. Drafting Doyle to assist him, Dodgson begins to investigate the murder of the evil editor, especially when a second murder occurs and Wilde is the prime suspect. THE PROBLEM OF THE EVIL EDITOR is an entertaining who-done-it due to the homage paid by Roberta Rogow to her heroes and other artistic giants of the late nineteenth century. Though lacking suspense, the story line remains fun because of the interplay and wit of the cast. Readers who enjoy historical fiction and fans of the two lead protagonists will enjoy the third Doyle-Dodgson collaboration (see THE PROBLEM OF THE MISSING MISS and THE PROBLEM OF THE SPITEFUL SPIRITUALIST).Harriet Klausner