Publisher's Synopsis
The ubiquitous Mr. Tinney proves himself as adept at solving a murder as in giving advice to his millions of radio listeners. So strong is his nose for following a murder trail that he entirely forgets his radio listeners and Wakely's Soapchips, his sponsor-much to the discomfiture of his assistant, Shelley, who sees his chances of a small fortune fade into the distance while Mr. Tinney goes his merry way. For the clues in the murder of private detective Noel Landry-the perfumed notes and the compromising picture of Carol Wills-set Mr. Tinney's nostrils to quivering like a bird dog's on a hot scent. And the strange odor on the notes-the odor of love that has turned to hate-leads him into a mystery as bizarre and thrilling as any he has ever followed.
The counterfeit perfume racket, the rise to power of Amerandra Sikkim, fabulous figure in the perfume world, and the love of Ben Sikkim for Carol Wills appeal to Mr. Tinney's romantic nature as well as to his sleuthing propensities. For Amerandra Sikkim is a tyrant who plays people as pawns in his game of power. And Carol Wills, with whom his only son has been so witless as to fall in love, must be eliminated . . . at whatever cost.
Fascination and terror, skilfully blended, provide a mystery that will hold your attention to the last line-as well it might, for the final solution will doubtless be as satisfying to the reader as it was to Mr. Tinney!
Crime is of the Essence was published in 1947. For additional vintage crime and detection classics, visit CoachwhipBooks.com.
