2 1/2 stars: I didn't particularly like it or dislike it; mixed or no real interest ( )

While more entertaining than "The Roman Hat Mystery" (the first EQ book, and one that I checked out from the Rexburg library and struggled to get through before returning it to said library in disgust), this fourth entry in the series is still heavy on exposition and light on action. The hospital setting, as well as the corpse discovered on the operating table, are intriguing, but there is so much interviewing and tiresome things (like thirty pages of anti-climactic end-story), that they kill any desire to find out who dunnit. Tiresome as well is the introduction by one "J.J. McC" (a feature/gimmick in the early books), where the individual attempts to drum up enthusiasm for the impending adventure, but which comes off more as a lame effort to make the Queen's out to be more than they really are. The inclusion of manservant Djuna is another wasted effort, the Queen's adoration of him coming off as condescending, maudlin, and a little weird (when you get right down to it). Thankfully, Djuna disappears, a few novels into the series. ( )

Great stuff, these creepy old books... ( )

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss. ( )

This early Ellery Queen takes place in a New York City hospital. The pace is brisk and about the right length. All the reasoning is actually rather straightforward. I would rate it higher but for one logical failure: How did the nurse put the men's pants on over her skirt? ( )