Dorothy B. Hughes Libri

"Three well-heeled villains terrorize New York's high society in pursuit of a rare and powerful gem"--

Dix Steele is back in town, and 'town' is post-war LA. His best friend Brub is on the force of the LAPD, and as the two meet in country clubs and beach bars, they discuss the latest case: a strangler is preying on young women in the dark. Dix listens with interest as Brub describes their top suspect, as yet unnamed.

An intriguing biography of an author who knew worldwide popularity thanks to the success of his Perry Mason stories, which, of course, became one of the best-known detective series on TV in the USA and in Great Britain. Erle Stanley Gardner was an unusual man who wrote 131 works of fiction, including 82 full-length Perry Masons.

The story revolves around Griselda, who feels a mix of annoyance and fury when Con Satterlee abandons her at the Bamboo Bar for another woman. As she returns to their secluded beach cottage alone, the initial excitement of a second honeymoon turns into fear and uncertainty. The narrative explores themes of betrayal and emotional turmoil in the face of unexpected circumstances.

It was Fiesta time in Santa Fe. Death was dancing on every street...Carnival time--but Sailor wasn't there to celebrate. He had to settle a score. Sailor had no nerves; it was pay off or drop dead. After he'd taken care of the Sen, he'd get out quick and live the easy live across the border in Mexico. A sexy silver blonde, a hard-boiled detective from Chicago homicide, a weasel-faced Senator, a black-eyed Indian child beauty, and Pancho, who spun the merry--round, all figure in this brilliant mystery, charged with sudden violence and an unexpected outcome.

"Death was waiting at the end of his Luger. To avenge a friend and murder a ghost. Kit came back to New York to track down his buddy's killer. It had to be murder: Louie wasn't the suicidal type. One person stood in the way of revenge--The Wobblefoot. He was watching. So one false step meant curtains. But Kit was willing to take any risks for a friend--even murder in cold blood."-- From back cover

Set against the backdrop of Hollywood, the story follows producer Vivien Spender, who obsessively seeks the perfect actress for his film adaptation of The Magic Mountain. His pattern of discarding starlets leads to their downfall, but Kitten Agnew, the latest candidate, is bound by her contract and senses danger during a train ride with Spender. As tension mounts, the narrative builds towards a gripping conclusion. This reprinted thriller showcases Dorothy B. Hughes's sharp prose and psychological suspense, reflecting the darker side of the film industry while offering classic mystery appeal.