The Nones of Perry Mason 98

Note: Conventional wisdom claims that by 1960, 71 years and 80 novels down the pike, the creator of Perry Mason was past his prime. Some blame going over TV scripts for distracting Gardner from the novels, for the writing getting clunkier and stories more formulaic even by his own standards. Too true, I’ve found late-career Gardner a mixed bag. TCOT Troubled Trustee from 1965 is not worth reading but 1963’s TCOT Stepdaughter’s Secret and the last one from 1969 TCOT Fabulous Fake certainly are fun. This one is enjoyable too.

The Case of the Shapely Shadow – Erle Stanley Gardner

Janice Wainwright is a secretary with a secret: she’s in love with her boss, the worthless Morley Theilman. To avoid triggering his wife’s jealousy, Janice plays the wallflower - dressing down, staying quiet. But when she walks into Perry Mason’s office with a locked briefcase and a wild story, things get weird fast.

Della Street, Mason’s razor-sharp assistant, convinces him to take Janice’s case. Janice suspects Theilman is being blackmailed by someone named A.B. Vidal. She wants to open the briefcase  - legally - before dropping it in a train station coin locker. Mason cracks it open: it’s stuffed with cash. They document the serial numbers, stash the case, and mail the key to Vidal.

Next day, Mason and PI Paul Drake stake out the locker. Too late—the briefcase is gone. Then Janice vanishes. Theilman disappears after meeting his sketchy partner, Cole B. Troy, who claims a mysterious woman was tailing Theilman.

Drake tracks Janice to Vegas, where Mason also meets Theilman’s ex-wife, Carlotta. Turns out Theilman was blackmailed into handing over Carlotta’s stock. Cue drama: Lt. Tragg arrests Janice for Theilman’s murder.

DA Hamilton Burger is sure he’s got Mason beat. The evidence? Janice’s car was at the scene, she bought scissors and newspapers (classic ransom letter kit), and post-makeover, she’s got femme fatale vibes.

The courtroom showdown is intense. Mason warns Janice her testimony could land her in the gas chamber. The judge calls a mistrial, and Burger's carotid artery nearly pops.

Verdict: Highly recommended. Even late in his career, Erle Stanley Gardner delivers a twisty, stylish legal thriller. If you like noir vibes, courtroom drama, and smart women who don’t play by the rules, this one’s a ride.