Hake Talbot

Hake Talbot was an American mystery writer active in the 1940s, best known for crafting complex impossible crime novels that blended elements of detection with supernatural overtones. His real name was Henning Nelms, and he worked as a professional magician and theater director alongside his writing career. Talbot published only two mystery novels: Rim of the Pit (1944) and The Hangman's Handyman (1942). Rim of the Pit is widely considered his masterpiece and has been praised by critics as one of the finest impossible crime novels ever written, featuring seemingly supernatural events in a remote, snow-bound setting. Despite his limited output, Talbot's influence on the locked-room mystery genre has been significant. His work demonstrated sophisticated understanding of magic and misdirection, which he employed to create particularly intricate puzzle plots. As Henning Nelms, he authored several respected books on magic and stagecraft, including Magic and Showmanship: A Handbook for Conjurers (1969), which remains a standard text for performing magicians. He died in 1986, leaving behind a small but influential body of work in both mystery fiction and stage magic.

Online reviews focus heavily on "Rim of the Pit," with limited discussion of "The Hangman's Handyman." Readers praise: - Complex puzzle plots that play fair with clues - Atmosphere of isolated winter settings - Integration of magic knowledge into mysteries - Clear, tight writing style One reader noted: "The solutions make perfect sense once revealed, showing mastery of misdirection." Common criticisms: - Character development feels thin - Some plot elements strain credibility - Limited availability of physical copies - Dated dialogue and social attitudes As one reader put it: "Great plotting but wooden characters." Ratings: Goodreads: - Rim of the Pit: 3.9/5 (300+ ratings) - Hangman's Handyman: 3.7/5 (50+ ratings) Amazon: - Rim of the Pit: 4.2/5 (limited reviews due to out-of-print status) - Hangman's Handyman: Insufficient data Most reviewers recommend starting with Rim of the Pit, citing stronger plotting and atmosphere.

The Hangman's Handyman (1942) A detective investigates a series of deaths at an isolated estate where victims appear to have been killed by an invisible executioner.

Rim of the Pit (1944) During a snowbound séance at a remote hunting lodge, participants witness apparent supernatural events after a man is found dead in the snow with only his own footprints around the body.

Magic and Showmanship: A Handbook for Conjurers (1969) A technical manual for magicians covering the principles of theatrical performance and magical presentation, written under his real name Henning Nelms.

Thinking for Results (1938) A practical guide to effective thinking and problem-solving methods, written under his real name Henning Nelms.

John Dickson Carr specialized in impossible crime mysteries and wrote over 70 detective novels featuring seemingly supernatural elements and locked-room murders. His work shares Talbot's focus on intricate puzzle plots and the explanation of apparently paranormal events through rational means.

Clayton Rawson was both a professional magician and mystery writer who created the Great Merlini detective series about a magician-sleuth. His mysteries incorporate detailed knowledge of stage magic and illusions similar to Talbot's work.

Paul Halter writes complex impossible crime mysteries that blend supernatural elements with logical solutions. His novels feature snowbound settings and isolated locations reminiscent of Talbot's Rim of the Pit.

Norman Berrow wrote mysteries featuring seemingly impossible crimes in isolated settings during the 1940s. His work contains the same mix of apparent supernatural events and rational explanations that characterizes Talbot's novels.

Joseph Commings created impossible crime short stories featuring Senator Brooks U. Banner as detective. His work demonstrates the same technical understanding of how to construct seemingly supernatural puzzles that can be solved through logic.