Trent's Last Case, with eBook

By: E. C. Bentley

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Considered by many to be the first modern mystery novel, Trent's Last Case introduces the gentleman sleuth Philip Trent, a freelance reporter and investigator.

Trent becomes involved in the case of the murder of millionaire American financier Sigsbee Manderson, slain while on holiday in England. During the course of his investigation, Trent falls in love with one of the primary suspects. And while he collects evidence and becomes convinced that he has cracked the case, he turns out to be well off the mark when the real murderer tells Trent just how wrong his conclusions were. An inspiration to writers like Agatha Christie and G.K. Chesterton, Trent's Last Case is a classic of the mystery genre.

(P)2006 Tantor Media, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The prototype of the modern detective novel." (The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature)

Wonderful, barring one particularly racist portion.

It’s a really early example of a modern mystery novel, and man, it’s creative. Well written, really well written. Story moves fast, characters are diverse and well articulated, the plot pays off. The ending is elegant, barring one very outrageous racist song being sung by the main character. It’s terrible. If you are triggered by racism then don’t read it. If you can view the racist song objectively and would like to see an example of just how good a mystery can be then read it. The song is extremely vulgar. You have been warned.

Delightful!!

Love the twists and not what I was expecting! Definitely different from the usual detective stories and so so enjoyable!

Sublime

As Dorothy Sayers’ favorite mystery, this is indeed a great story with surprise ending. Well done performance and writing.

Bought for Simon Vance narration

Is there anything you would change about this book?

No. It is rather forgettable as it is.

Would you recommend Trent's Last Case to your friends? Why or why not?

Maybe.

Which scene was your favorite?

Can't remember a single one! However, I do remember lots of scenes from The Watch That Ends The Night: Voices from the Titanic.

Did Trent's Last Case inspire you to do anything?

To be more selective in my ordering, perhaps paying more for some of my Audiobooks than in the past.

Any additional comments?

When this book was finished I remember thinking, well that was okay. Apparently it takes more than loving to hear Simon Vance's narration for something to stick in my memory.

What a treat!

This is a rare treat indeed to find a true mystery in the lofty style of the early mystery writers. Everything well formed and tightly written, but still charmingly engaging. So few of these are in our reading universe. Highly recommend.