Series: Colonel Primrose #11
About the author: Leslie Ford is a pseudonym of Zenith Jones Brown, 1898-1984. She also wrote as David Frome and Brenda Conrad. Also see this Book Scribbles blog: Leslie Ford's Fall From Grace.
Locale: Washington DC
Major characters:
- Grace Latham, our narrator
- Colonel John Primrose
- Sgt. Phineas T. Buck
- Molly Crane, nurse's aide
- Cass Crane, her husband
- Randy Fleming, Molly's former boyfriend
- D.J. Durbin, mysterious war industry financier
- Achille, his chauffeur
- Courtney Durban, his wife
- Duleep Singh, economist
- Horace Blodgett, corporate lawyer
- Corinne Blodgett, his wife
- Mr. Austin, a.k.a. Mr. Armistead
- Lons Sondauer, a.k.a. Louis Skagerlund
Synopsis: In the midst of wartime Washington DC, the story follows two couples: Cass and Molly Crane - Cass being expected home on leave any moment, and Molly a nurse's aide. D.J. Durbin, wealthy industrialist and his wife Courtney. The couples are connected as Cass and Courtney had intended to marry before she met Durbin. On the side is Randy Fleming, Molly's former boyfriend. Problems begin when Cass notifies Courtney (not his wife) that he will be home any moment. Then Durbin's chauffeur, Achille, dies after drinking poisoned alcohol in the Crane's home - but for whom was it intended?
Please note there are troubling references to animal abuse/killing (cats and kittens) as well as two instances of the N-word, as used in the old colloquial expression about a woodpile. Cat lovers may wish to take a pass on this one.
You may also enjoy this review by Bev Hankins on My Reader's Block.
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