The "Perry Mason" novels were a form of mystery stories where the lawyer is a detective and the solution occurs in a courtroom. Erle Stanley Gardner often educated his readers by mentioning new technology or medico-legal facts; they often warned of scams and swindles. A real life trial is not as dramatic as these stories. The prices date these stories, as do the vehicles. Gardner was a founder of "The Court of Last Resort" that worked to reverse unjust convictions. These TV stories are the simplified and co..