I read this book from ? to August 5, 2011.

This book contains four of the first five novels in the series, in sequence. It does not contain the "Greene Murder Case", the third one.

This book is outstanding for two reasons:
1. The author provides a list of characters, with some very cryptic data! This saves me so much writing. I can't keep track of the players without a score card! I need to have some type of reference list.
2. When appropriate, the author provides a map, sketch, layout, or whatever. This is so helpful! Why can't more authors/publishers do this.

After reading the first novel, I was going to stop. Oh well, the book was handy and I was reluctant to decide on the next item to read, so... I do admit I enjoyed them, but with some reservations.

Pros:
There are many recurring characters. The novels are written from the perspective of an unobtrusive friend and colleague.
Some interrelationships are good. I always enjoy mutual respect and people working together. Today's TV with the main characters constantly bickering with each other is a total BORE.
There are footnotes. They are never distracting. Their help is greatly appreciated.

Cons:
Philo's attitude to the cases is rather annoying and repetitive. This is especially true as to his attitude towards forensics.
The detective withholding his thoughts as to the solution to the mystery is always a great annoyance to me. I would rather enjoy traveling with him or her to the solution, than to have it all presented in the last few pages!
There needs to be more romance. At times, there is some, but it isn't enough.
Some interrelationships are negative.
Some novels have too many bodies.
There are too many foreign phrases. If it isn't in my Webster's, it needs to be translated or explained. Either in the text, or as a footnote. ( )