The Case of the Stuttering Bishop by Erle Stanley Gardner, 1936

 

Major characters:

• Bishop William Mallory
• Janice Seaton
• Renwold C. Brownley
• Oscar Brownley, Renwold's son (deceased)
• Julia Branner, Oscar's widow, Perry Mason's client
• Janice Brownley, Oscar & Julia's daughter
• Philip Brownley, Oscar's nephew
• Perry Mason, attorney at law

Locale: Los Angeles

Synopsis: Bishop William Mallory consults attorney Perry Mason - he is concerned about the statute of limitations on a drunk driving/manslaughter charge from 22 years ago. It is gradually revealed that the driver was Julia Branner, daughter-in-law of wealthy Renwold C. Brownley. She had become widowed upon the death of her husband, Oscar Brownley prior to the story. She has not been heard from for years. As there is no statue of limitations on a manslaughter charge, she is still a fugitive.

Renwold Brownley is about to change his will, reducing the inheritance to grandson Philip Brownley, and in favor of his granddaughter Janice Brownley, who is living with him. Several people suspect that Janice is not his real granddaughter, but a fake planted there by a rival detective agency to get the inheritance. It seems that the bishop's friend, Janice Seaton, may be the real granddaughter.

Renwold Browney is lured to the waterfront one night, and is shot by a woman unknown. Julia Branner calls on Mason, and although a fugitive, Mason takes her on as a client. The case hinges on identifying who the real granddaughter is, and the one person who can vouch for that - Bishop Mallory - is missing.

Review: This is one of the earlier (#9 in the series) Masons, and has the hard-boiled, more dominant Mason than in later books; and he is a better character for it. He is not afraid to kick in doors and punch faces. His relationship with D.A. Hamilton Burger is one of mutual wariness.

Early in the story Mason has a tense standoff discussion with Renwold Brownley. It is a long, excellent scene. Mason has met his match, and neither one budges an inch. 

The plot device of announcing a will change to the relatives - in advance - always means a murder in the offing, and this one is no different. 

The story ends with a teaser of the next book, The Case of the Dangerous Dowager; reminiscent of the teasers at the end of a Hardy Boys book.