These Crooked Things - by Byerrum (Paperback)

About the Book

A PLAYWRIGHT AND A PLAYBOY DETECTIVE chase a mystery of a corpse, a coverup, and a grievously injured pregnant woman, down a crooked path into a secret society, a long-ago death, and recent murder of a very bad rich man.

Book Synopsis

THESE CROOKED THINGS

A playwright and a playboy detective chase a cast of shady characters down a crooked path, uncovering a snobby secret society, a long-ago disappearance, a very rich (and very dead) bad boy, and multiple potential killers.

It's November 1934 in New York City. Prohibition is over, but the Depression lingers like a bad hangover. Famous gangsters fight for headlines with local criminals, society-page sinners, and hit Broadway shows. Amid all the glitz, glamour and grit, a man lies dead on the floor of a swanky Upper East Side apartment, as his wounded pregnant wife hides in terror nearby.

Private detective Graydon Chase and his fiancée, playwright Esmé de LaForet, are called by the family to keep scandal at bay and sweet-talk the Irish cops. But there's no keeping this crime quiet, as they tangle with too many killers with way too many motives. And what about Esmé? Does she really want the truth? Or justice? And a little mercy for those who survive? (And what about her play's opening night?)

Review Quotes

"A chance to live for a couple of hours in the world of the upper-class 1930s, the clothes, the decor, the theatre, the food, even a ripping good Thanksgiving dinner. And of course, a murder is on the menu." -- Playwright Jay Farrell

"I love this series! The mystery is twisty and puzzling, set against the background of depression-era New York, but the characters are what drew me in and kept me transfixed. Headstrong playwright Esmé is a wonderful, modern woman, and her beau, Detective Graydon Chase, is her perfect match. With an entertaining cast of characters from different walks of life, solving a murder is a thrilling and fun chase." -- Amazon reviewer

"Interesting and fast paced from the word go. Characters were varied and the settings of the theatre and the theatre lifestyle caught my interest." -- Goodreads reviewer