Friday, June 13, 2014

The Nine Mile Walk by Harry Kemelman

Sometimes you read a story and wonder where it's going, but you keep reading because the conversation between the characters just pulls you in and you want to know where it's going to end.  "The Nine Mile Walk" by Harry Kemelman is just such a story.  It was his first published story and is considered a classic. 

I loved how this conversation between two men trying to outsmart each other wound up solving a mystery.  What truly saddens me is the fact that in today's market this story would probably get rejected.

5 comments:

Robert Lopresti said...

One of my fifty favorite mystery stories. One of a kind, too, because you cant exactly write one like it...

sandra seamans said...

I know, Rob, it's so perfect and if you tried to write a story like this you'd probably be labeled a plagiarist.

Manuel Royal said...

That story is effing brilliant. No, you don't see that sort of piece much anymore. Reminds me of some of the best pieces by Fredric Brown, or John Collier, or Roald Dahl.

sandra seamans said...

Yes, it's great, Manuel, and Fredric Brown is a good comparison. His work is wonderful also. I don't believe I know about John Collier, I'll have to see if I can find some of his stories.

Manuel Royal said...

John Collier is highly recommended. I haven't read all his stories, but the collection "Fancies and Goodnights" is great.