This is my first book to read in this series, called The Classic Crime Library; this one was written in 1961. Roy Markham, a private eye, is on the trail of a missing college student (Barbara Taft). He has to travel to the tiny college town of Cliff's End, New Hampshire. After looking around in New Hampshire, he gets the news that the coed is dead (back in New York). When the police claim that the girl committed suicide in the Hudson River, her father talks Markham into taking a look into the death. The police agree to have Markham look into the death because they know they have no choice with such a wealthy man.
The premise of the story is a bit dated; few folks commit suicide over a few pornographic photos these days. The book is only about 200 pages but the author writes evocative scenes and pithy dialogue. I felt the author explained the story completely in just the few words of this book -- now that is a Grand Master of Mystery (which the Mystery Writers of America have named Lawrence Block).
Classic Crime Library
1. After the First Death (1969)
2. Deadly Honeymoon (1967)
3. Grifter's Game (1961)
4. The Girl with the Long Green Heart (1965)
5. The Specialists (1960)
6. The Triumph of Evil (1972) (as by Paul Kavanagh)
7. Such Men Are Dangerous (1969) (as by Paul Kavanagh)
8. Not Comin' Home to You (1974) (as by Paul Kavanagh)
9. Lucky at Cards (1964)
10. Killing Castro (1961)
11. A Diet of Treacle (1961)
** 12. The Case of the Pornographic Photos (1961) aka Markham / You Could Call it Murder
The premise of the story is a bit dated; few folks commit suicide over a few pornographic photos these days. The book is only about 200 pages but the author writes evocative scenes and pithy dialogue. I felt the author explained the story completely in just the few words of this book -- now that is a Grand Master of Mystery (which the Mystery Writers of America have named Lawrence Block).
Classic Crime Library
1. After the First Death (1969)
2. Deadly Honeymoon (1967)
3. Grifter's Game (1961)
4. The Girl with the Long Green Heart (1965)
5. The Specialists (1960)
6. The Triumph of Evil (1972) (as by Paul Kavanagh)
7. Such Men Are Dangerous (1969) (as by Paul Kavanagh)
8. Not Comin' Home to You (1974) (as by Paul Kavanagh)
9. Lucky at Cards (1964)
10. Killing Castro (1961)
11. A Diet of Treacle (1961)
** 12. The Case of the Pornographic Photos (1961) aka Markham / You Could Call it Murder
