G. K. Chesterton: The Complete Father Brown Stories

The ‘Father Brown’ stories must constitute the most unusual collection of detective fiction yet written. The mysteries G.K. Chesterton builds are some of the most whimsical, surreal, absurd, unlikely crimes ever imagined, which defy logical solution. And yet what is most incredible is that they are all solved by a humble, unimposing Catholic priest named Brown, who sneers at the supernatural and uses reason and his intimate knowledge of human evil to foil crime.

Of all the detectives I’ve met – Auguste Dupin, Sherlock Holmes, Nero Wolfe, Hercule Poirot, Jane Marple – Father Brown stands out as the most fascinating and human. Whereas all the others go around collecting clues and gathering facts, in self-absortion, Father Brown uses his understanding of human behavior, his knowledge of how people would think and act under a certain situation, and, interestingly, by immersing himself in the mind of murderer and trying to think like him.

The stories are also some of most well-written I’ve read from any detective writer: Chesterton doesn’t just create intricate, maddening mysteries, he writes beautiful sentences, describes people, objects and events in wonderful, colorful fashion, and has a knack for witty paradoxes.

After having been disappointed with The Man Who Was Thursday, Father Brown has restored my confidence in Chesterton, and I can’t wait to delve into more of his work.

I found the Father Brown stories to be slightly disappointing -good but not as good as I expected. They certainly did not depose Sherlock Holmes as my favourite.

As a mystery lover, I tried to get into Father Brown but didn't find him as good as I hoped. But I have to agree with you about The Man Who Was Thursday, I was very disappointed by it as well.

Sir Arthur and Chesterton had different styles. I believe Sherlock Holmes will satisfy those who wish well-constructed mysteries. What I found captivating in the 'Father Brown' stories was the worldplay and the use of paradox. I think Chesterton wrote better than Sir Arthur, although that may no matter much in crime fiction. And his stories have a more whimsical, dream-like atmosphere, which might upset those who prefer the straightforwardness of Sir Arthur.

I also found myself loving Father Brown's personality, which is warmer and more humourous than Holmes'.