Barrett: The Pelham Murder Case

The Pelham Murder Case (1930) starts with a locked room mystery, as John Pelham’s house guests return late from a party. One of the guests is Peter Cardigan, mystery writer, who eschews exotic poisons and bizarre deaths for realism in his novels. His late-night discussion of the topic with Renny Pelham (John’s brother) is cut off by a gunshot—and John is found dead in the library. The gun is on the floor, doors and windows are locked, but no key can be discovered. The police are called, and Peter’s history with the lead detective, Lieutenant Murphy, provide opportunity to join the hunt. One of the party is certain to be the killer, but who? The Pelham’s niece is the romantic interest for an old (and older) friend of the family, as well as a young man met on a trip to the Continent. The visiting Countess of Desborough has secrets, and old Dr. Fisk conveniently was the first to arrive at the murder scene (and adamant that no one came out of the locked room). Cardigan and Murphy collect and sort through plenty of clues, giving the reader a well-balanced, fair-play mystery.

About the Author

Monte Barrett (1897-1949) was a newspaperman turned author and cartoon writer. His popular newspaper comic ‘Jane Arden’ told the adventures of a plucky reporter as she investigated stories around the world, inspiring later characters like Lois Lane and Brenda Starr.