The Frazer Acquittal by Stephen Ransome

This Crime Club mystery was a twisted pleasure. A web of blackmail, evidence destroyed and planted, and multiple murders without remorse.

Defense attorney John Gregory has won for his client in the Pennsylvania murder case of Rhoda Sherrill. Antiques dealer Robert Frazer was accused, but without motive or evidence, Judge Aiken was forced to end the case in an acquittal. Despite this, the shadow of guilt follows Frazer, and Gregory is shunned. Frazer's bubbly daughter Gale pleads with Gregory to clear her father's name and has called in tough county investigator Frank Marco. The only thing for Gregory to do is confront the real killer—for Gregory watched them bury the .38 Colt special. He has it now, has ground off the serial number, and debates how to destroy or dispose of it, ignoring the implications of being an accessory. Gregory knew Rhoda socially, as did his brother Ron (a composer of Broadway musicals and Perry Como hit records) and Ron's dynamic wife Valerie. Judge Aiken also knew her, as he was one of the men neighbors saw visiting Rhoda at all hours. He was there the night she was shot and knew Frazer was entirely innocent. Who anonymously alerted the police to her death? Why was Frazer there that night, and how did he obtain her perfume-stained money? Rhoda was a magazine reporter from Kansas City; perhaps she brought her trouble with her. For everyone's sake, as long as the gun remains missing, Gregory can shield the real culprit, but before he could destroy it, it vanishes.

A real pleasure for fans of twisted mysteries, this is a rollercoaster of lies that does not let up. Tall, handsome Gregory is a steadfast narrator, trying to keep one step ahead of each surprise—for they come fast and steady. Just the right balance of character, mystery, and suspense to make it hard to put down. Recommended.

Stephen Ransome is a pseudonym for the mystery writer Frederick C. Davis.

1955 / Hardcover / 194 pages