A young man is stopped by the police, a body is found in his backseat, and he is convicted of murder. While he awaits execution, he makes out a will leaving all his money to the police lieutenant who handled his case. The lieutenant learns of this when Hildegarde Withers, schoolteacher and hard-boiled private eye, stops by. She determines to clear the man in the few days left before his execution. The opening paragraphs bear comparison with the opening of Chandler’s short story “Red Wind”.
Five Stars A great Withers mystery.
Good mystery Great to be able to read this old mystery. I’m a Hildegarde Withers fan from way back. I love having it available on my kindle.
Great vintage mystery The story starts very early on a hot August morning when police pull over a speeding car with two occupants: an unconscious Andrew Rowan, a press agent, and:Â