Reviewed by Jeanne
There are a few television characters who become such icons
that they are recognized practically the world over.* One such character is Lt. Columbo, the
rumpled detective who always solves the case by asking suspects “just one more
thing.” While there may not be any new
television episodes now that Peter Falk has passed away, I was pleased to
discover a collection of short stories featuring the rumpled detective written
by William Link who co-created the character and series with the late Dick
Levinson.
There are a dozen stories in the collection, which originally
came out in 2010. Many adhere to the
Columbo formula; that is, we see the murder and know whodunit. The fun is watching how Columbo proves
it. A few are more the traditional
murder story that starts with the police on the scene, trying to find clues.
The stories are entertaining little puzzles that let the reader match wits with
the detective. I did enjoy reading them,
but I also have to admit that I felt there was not much in the way of
characterization. There were little
thumbnail sketches. I fared better when
I could mentally cast actors in the roles, people who could provide the
texture. I found myself wondering if
these were originally story treatments for episodes that were never made.
If you are a Columbo fan, by all means check this one out!
*I can attest that Columbo is at least known in Hungary
because there is a statue of Columbo and his faithful Basset Hound in Budapest!
It is, appropriately enough, on Falk Miksa Street.
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