Short Story Review: The Kubelsky Block

The Kubelsky Block, by John C. Boland, is set in a tired resort hotel in the Catskills. There is nothing tired about the story, with richly drawn characters, humor, and a mystery with a surprise ending. 

"Tamar accompanied her uncle out into the hall, which was carpeted in an oatmeal color only a couple shades lighter than the walls, which were dimly lit by dozens of tiny spots focused on framed photographs of the resort's famous guests and performers."

No one of the caliber of Jack Benny, Buddy Hackett, or Henny Youngman has graced the stage in many years. Still, Tamar enjoys revisiting the location of childhood vacations. Other family members are due to arrive to celebrate Uncle Yus's 85th birthday.

In the wee hours, a fire alarm goes off, setting into motion a mystery that needs to be solved.

I enjoyed learning bits of history about the Catskills resort, and getting to know Tamar Gillespie, whose policeman husband passed away a year ago.

The Kubelsky Block is an entertaining read, making its appearance in the May/June issue of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine.

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