Perry Mason-the Case of the Perjured Parrot Mass Market Paperback – 1967

Like many of Gardner's Perry Mason novels, Baited Hook begins with an unusual introduction to a client. In fact, the client is so mysterious that she is covered up and wearing a mask and doesn't even speak to Mason. And to top it off, although a large sum of money is dangled, Mason isn't told what the case is about or what he's expected to do. The case from there gets even more convoluted with Mason getting involved in a questionable stock trade, stumbling on corpses, and stands accused of being a pursesnatcher.Gardner's Perry Mason stories are mysteries centered around a lawyer not a detective. Although this one is bereft of courtroom scenes, it has plenty of deductions and antics.

This is one book I guarantee is better than the Perry Mason/Raymond Burr episode. The book is crisper, with more plot twists and frankly, just more entertaining than the TV segment. Whether you've seen the TV version of not, please read this book! You won't be disappointed.

Erle Stanley Gardner is prolific, timeless and entertaining. Featuring a supremely confident lawyer whose clients are always innocent, Gardner was the world's best selling author at the time of his death. The title in this one was selected by Perry Mason himself, although Della Street suggested "The Mysterious Mistress" as an alternative. A light, quick read, "Baited Hook" doesn't challenge the intellect, but retains your interest.

Mason really comes across as a fighter in Gardener,s books. There is enough time devoted to Mason 's character and his philosophy to give the reader an understanding that he is a man driven by some inner force that few possess. Sherlock Holmes would have the same tensions while trying to piece clues together. Give some of the early cases a try, such as Velvet Claws (first Mason), and you may find that you have been caught on a "Baited Hook".

The Perry Mason books, which predated the TV show, almost never made it to trial. Perry solved the crime, the perpetrators got arrested and that was the end of the book. On the TV show, they most always spend the last 15-20 minutes of the show at the trial. Though these books do take liberties that the TV show couldn't. This was a good read.

This mystery is just as sweet as can be from about halfway through right to the end...with the clever twists toward the end that you expect from EG.

So much fun reading old Perry Mason books.Brings out the nostalgia- more deceptive than the 1950's series.

Gardner's Perry Mason novels are a bit repetitive, but very well done. I have blown them off for decades because they were so overdone on television that it was almost impossible to give anyone a fair jury trial during the 60s. Finally reading them in my 70s, I find the books are much better than the TV series, although I saw very little of it. Perjured Parrot, however, stands out as quintessential Perry-in-print, with all the elements at their best. So, if you can only be bothered with one, do try this one.