This is a collection of 24 “Astro the Seer” stories. Astro is basically a Sherlock-type detective who presents himself as a psychic. These stories were… mostly fine. On their own, or maybe mixed into a collection of other short fiction, I probably would have enjoyed them a lot more. But I felt like reading 24 all at once was a bit much. The stories are very short and to-the-point and the mysteries are pretty straightforward. And although I'm aware this is a product of its time, I didn’t like the attitude towards women and minorities that appeared in some of them.

As for this specific edition, I found the amount of footnotes to be distracting. Most of the information included in the footnotes was not necessary for understanding the story.

Thank you very much to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing this ARC in return for my honest review.

What’s a high-functioning Sherlock Holmes type to do in the face of a gullible, tarot-believing public? Fleece them for everything they’re worth, while solving all of their crimes, of course!

Together with his charming assistant Valeska Wynne, Astro, the “Master of Mysteries” (as he styles himself to his audience) enjoys a stable lifestyle on the back of the gullible citizenry, reading palms and telling fortunes. Using his superb powers of observation and scientific reason, as well as his skill with misdirection, Astro pulls the wool over both the eyes of his clients… and the criminals trying to outwit him!

The individual mysteries run the gamut, from stolen jewels to murder. Astro gets the cases that a private detective wouldn’t touch, and frequently finds himself embroiled in mysteries that only a so-called psychic would be pulled into. His role allows him to play the air-headed young fool for those who are skeptical, or the wise and mysterious mystic for the gullible. Together with the beautiful and intelligent Valeska, Astro solves those cases that the police would never get to see.

However, these stories break with genre expectations in some delightful ways. Firstly, Astro may be the hero, but the Armenian-Buddhist charlatan frequently relies on the cunning and detective skills of his assistant, Valeska.

Perhaps surprising to readers of other works of the era, Valeska’s role is more nuanced and complex than those often handed to women in this type of pulp fiction. Likewise, the stories themselves exceed era expectations, offering readers an over-arching plot woven within the episodic structure of each mystery. In every way, these stories are far ahead of their time.

The Master of Mysteries reads like the incredibly snarky little brother of Sherlock Holmes, with each short story offering a snappy mixture of humor and entertaining action. The editor, Leslie S. Klinger, has also provided excellent footnotes to accompany the text, to aid the modern reader’s understanding of those apocryphal elements of the story that would have been commonplace knowledge in the early 1900s.

The humor in Master of Mysteries is sleek and engaging, and the mysteries are easy to sink into. Whether you are a fan of classic mysteries, or just finished your latest rewatch of Pysch, this collection is absolutely certain to become one of your all-time favorite weekend reads.

— Odin H. Halvorson

Astro, the self-styled Seer of Secrets, debuted in 1908 in a magazine, and The Master of Mysteries was first released in 1912. This book of short stories reminded me a lot of the TV show Psych, as it deals with a hyper-observant man who uses his unusual power to pass himself off as a mystic. Astro’s sidekick is a lovely blonde assistant rather than a put-upon buddy, but, otherwise, the comparison holds pretty well. If anything, I like author Gelett Burgess’ precursor more than the irresponsible early 21st century copy.

Astro may claim to his clientele that he consults “vibrations,” “auras” and crystal balls for his knowledge, but he expends plenty of shoe leather and time checking things out in this astral plane. The cases vary from the sweet (“The Lorsson Elopement,” “Priscilla’s Presents”) to the clever (“The Stolen Shakespeare,” “Miss Dalrymple’s Locket,” “Mrs. Selwyn’s Emerald,” “The Count’s Comedy,” “Van Asten’s Vistor”) to the ultra-trite or the predictable (“The Fanshawe Ghost,” “Number Thirteen,” “The Assassins’ Club,” “The Luck of the Merringtons”). The collection would have benefited from dropping a few of the more pedestrian entries; still, credit goes to editor Leslie S. Klinger for including footnotes to apprise readers about late 19th and early 20th century notables, items and events. All in all, I’m glad that I spent time with Astro and his lovely assistant Valeska Wynne.

In fact, I however, I found myself charmed enough that I tried to discover more Astro the Seer books. Alas, I don’t think Burgess wrote any more. He was — and remains — best known for his satires and comical poems. Indeed, he’s the author of this famous poem, beloved by all children:

I never saw a Purple Cow,
I never hope to see one,
But I can tell you, anyhow,
I'd rather see than be one!

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.

I had not heard of this author before but loved the idea of the magician and his assistant solving mysteries. They were great stories , with classic mystery stories a bit like Sherlock Holmes but less clinical and with more humour. I will watch out for more of this authors work.

I loved this collection of stories about Astro and Veleska, they totally read like old radio shows or classic mysteries. He pretends to be a psychic that solves crime with his analytical talents and Valeska is not only his secretary and eventually his girlfriend but helps with the side work. I also liked the notes at the end of the chapters. There was so much to love about this book I have really been lucky lately and getting five star reads in this book definitely qualifies. If you love a good old detective work or Sherlock Holmes type mysteries you love this book that short and quick but also good and so worth reading. I received this book from net galley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

A Veritable Feast…
Another worthy and much appreciated entry in the Library of Congress Crime Classics reissues. A veritable feast of short stories which offer a twist of pastiche on the classic detection theme with Astro - a detective as clever and as observant as Holmes but with empathy. Astro, together with his able assistant Valeska, may sound more magician act than detective duo but certainly offer a force of crime solving techniques.

Astro, Seer of Secrets and Valeska Wynne, his assistant are featured in these reprinted short stories of Astro's cases.
In each story Astro explains the principles and theories of the time and how they are related to the solutions of his cases. There are also many footnotes explaining terms, words and people of the early 1900's.
The cases involve missing husband, wives or girlfriends. Some require retrieval of stolen manuscripts or jewels. And then there is kidnapping and murder. With help of the police inspector , who gets most of the credit, these stories are quick and enjoyable while also making fun of the serious tone of the Sherlock Holmes character that was popular at the time.
Thank you NetGAlley and Poisoned Pen Press for this e-galley of "The Master of Mysteries".

I honestly enjoyed this. It was terrifying! A perfect read for the spooky month! Highly recommended.