The Black Pigeon

The Black Pigeon, first published in 1929, is a mystery centering on the murder of “Handsome Harry” Borden, a lecherous, unethical stock promoter, who had cost many investors their life-savings. Borden’s secretary, a suspect herself, convinces Detective Sergeant McMann that she can be of assistance, and sets out determine the true identity of the killer. There were plenty of reasons for “Handsome Harry” Borden to be murdered. After all, he had cost numerous investors their life savings with questionable securities. And he had left his wife for a string of actresses and dancers, only to shed each in turn for a new flame. And the office boy that he had bullied. Not to mention the jealous boyfriend of his secretary to whom he had made unwanted advances. So there were plenty of suspects when was found dead of a gunshot wound in his office. The question is, which of them actually committed the crime? Everyone but the titular bird seems to have a motive for killing Handsome Harry Borden. But when the lecherous stock promoter is shot, his beautiful secretary Ruth and her new fiancé Jack are among the main suspects. Fortunately, Ruth is as bright as she is beautiful, and convinces the policeman in charge to let her help. Of course, he’s hoping she’ll give something away, but she uses her observation of the other suspects to find the true solution. For fans of the puzzle genre, Austin has daringly provided a solution that reflects back to the beginning of the book. Very clever!