The Case of the Silent Partner Author:Erle Stanley Gardner A historical Perry Mason novel. It's the first (1940) in which the intrepid lawyer tangles with the noisome Lieutenant Tragg (this is NOT the kindly, aged officer depicted in the TV series!). Unlike future stories, Tragg arrives at the murder scene before Perry, and a wild rush ensues to see who can find the correct slayer first. Fast footwork k... more »eeps Perry and Della out of jail, but our hero for once overlooks a most important clue.
Successful florist Mildred Faulkner finds that the flower business is no bed of roses when arch-competitor Harry Peavis secretly buys stock in her small, family-owned business. To keep from being muscled out of her own company, Mildred goes to Perry Mason. But the legal eagle is stymied when Mildred's company is plundered by her brother-in-law to pay off gambling debts. The money trail leads to a nightclub hostess and her boss. When both are found dead, the trail of evidence leads back to Mildred.« less