Face to Face

By: Ellery Queen

Narrated by: Patrick Cullen

When Gloria Guild, the singing “Glory” of the 30s and millionaire wife of Count Carlos Armando, is murdered, she leaves only one clue: the word “face” written in her dying scrawl. Who or what is “face”? Ellery and his father the Inspector, British agent Harry Burke, and Sergeant Velle all get involved. Ellery’s search takes him from the Bowery to a way-out wedding before he arrives at a shocking conclusion.

©1967 Ellery Queen, copyright renewed by Ellery Queen (P)1995 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Technically faultless construction (one expects no less), admirable final twist, and one lovely private joke for old-line Queen fans (as aren’t we all?)” ( New York Times)

Classic Ellery Queen

Any additional comments?

A good bet for Ellery Queen fans and fans of noir-ish mystery more generally. Like many a mystery, this is a bit less fun when you already know the twist -- but it's classic Ellery Queen, complete with outsized characterizations, evocative imagery, and parlor-scene reveal. It's dated, of course, especially in its characterizations of women, but that's to be expected, and it's very much a classic tale of its time.

The narration is fine. A bit stilted here and there, but all clear and appropriate for the material.

Overall, recommended.

Silly and dated

Really should be a straight 2.5 stars, as the plot wasn't lame enough to actually give up on, and the narration was overall tolerable. Ellery and his visiting Scottish cop pal seemed more like the Hardy Boys than Nero Wolfe and Archie. Recommended for folks who might be looking for something light to pass the time; otherwise, if you're looking for an actual mystery to become invested in, no.

As expected..

I've always enjoyed Ellery Quuen mysteries. This is a typical one with all the expected twists, turns and Ellery brooding. The narrator did a good job giving voice to the characters. Would recommend to detective story fans.

Review of FACE TO FACE by Ellery Queen

Would you listen to Face to Face again? Why?

Yes, undoubtedly. I always do. First to listen to, then to see if there's any flaws or gafts in the plot. I always do mysteries.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Face to Face?

The scene when Ellery deducted the meaning of the clue "FACE". Actually, that whole part is a bit far fetched. And I'm not going to give anything away. It's still a good tale.

Which scene was your favorite?

No particular scene.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, far to long for that.

Any additional comments?

Please forgive the Scottish Brough. It was intertaining. And Ellery's use of extremely big words when simpler ones would do.