John J. Malone has been called in to a beauty company, Delora Deanne. He's not sure why, but when he finds out, he's not excited. First, he finds out that the Delora Deanne on the commercials is not exactly who she appears to be. The beautiful, dulcet-toned Delora who Malone adores is a mirage. While he's still wrestling with the disappointment, he finds out why he's been called in. Someone has sent an embalmed pair of hands to the owner of the company. And, with one of the employees missing, it seems that they might be hers. This sets up Malone on a case that will strain his mental processes to the breaking point. Especially since he's also trying to help his friend Jake Justus figure out a way to make his fledgling production company up and running.
Malone is trying to solve the murder and he's getting help from both Helene and Jake but neither thinks the other is involved so he's having to keep that a secret as well while more and more body parts are showing up.
A fun story. The end seemed to come a bit out of nowhere and was pretty convoluted but that is not unusual for a Malone story.
Heard about this one on the
Classic Mysteries podcast.
Three stars
Follows Knocked for a Loop
Followed by The Name is Malone
This book came out in 1957
Ebook borrowed from Hoopla
Opinions are my own
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