Best Erle Stanley Gardner novels: Which ones are highly recommended?

Definitely 'The Case of the Velvet Claws'. It was very popular as it was the first Perry Mason novel and it set the tone for the whole series. People were drawn to the character of Perry Mason right from the start.

Typical characters include the resourceful private investigators. They use their wits and experience to solve mysteries. Then there are the victims or their families. They are usually in distress and look to the investigators for help. There may also be some sidekick characters who assist the main detective, providing some comic relief or additional support in investigations.

One of the main themes is mystery. His stories often revolve around solving complex crimes. Another theme could be justice, as his characters strive to ensure that the right thing is done in the face of wrongdoings. Also, the element of human nature is explored, like how people react under pressure and in the midst of criminal investigations.

One of the great things about his fantastic fiction is the legal elements he incorporates. Since he was a lawyer himself, his stories often revolve around legal procedures and courtroom dramas. This gives a sense of authenticity to the stories. Also, his writing style is straightforward yet captivating, making it easy for readers to get hooked on the story from the very beginning. His descriptions of the settings, whether it's a courtroom or a crime scene, are detailed enough to draw the reader in and make them feel as if they are right there in the story.

The first Perry Mason story by Erle Stanley Gardner was 'The Case of the Velvet Claws'.

The first Perry Mason story by Erle Stanley Gardner has several key features. Firstly, it presents Perry Mason as a very intelligent and astute lawyer. His character is immediately established as someone who can think on his feet and outwit his opponents. Secondly, the mystery in the story is quite engaging. It has twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. There are also well - drawn secondary characters that add depth to the story, like Mason's secretary who is always there to assist him in some way. The courtroom scenes, which would become a hallmark of the series, also start to take shape in this first story, showing Mason's dominance in that setting.

Erle Stanley Gardner's use of legal elements in his fantastic fiction has inspired modern writers to incorporate specialized knowledge into their mystery stories. For instance, many contemporary mystery novels now include elements from various professions like forensic science, law, or finance to add depth and authenticity. Also, his way of building suspense, like gradually revealing clues and creating multiple red herrings, is often emulated in modern mystery writing. His characters, especially the iconic Perry Mason, have influenced the creation of strong, intelligent protagonists in modern mystery novels.

I highly recommend 'The Vanishing Half'. It has a really engaging plot about race and identity. The characters are well - developed and the story keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Another great one is 'Serial'. It dives deep into one story over the course of a season. For example, in its first season, it explored the case of Adnan Syed, and through detailed interviews and investigations, it told a captivating and complex story that kept listeners hooked from start to finish.

I highly recommend 'The Underground Railroad'. It's not only a great work of historical fiction but also a powerful exploration of race in America. The way Colson Whitehead uses the concept of the railroad is both imaginative and thought - provoking.