Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Insurance agent Emil Barnes approaches Boston Blackie with a mystery regarding diamonds being stolen from the Winthrop Jewelry Company despite thorough searches of all employees. The investigation takes a dark turn when Barnes is found murdered, prompting Blackie to go undercover as an employee named John Jones to find clues. Blackie discovers that diamonds were being stolen using homing pigeons attached to their legs. After a tense rooftop stakeout, Blackie and Shorty attempt to catch the thief, but John Glass falls to his death during the escape. Blackie concludes by explaining how Glass used Van Hooten's pigeons to facilitate the robbery without the owner's knowledge.

Detectives Vance and Markham investigate the murder of stockbroker Stuart Ames, analyzing clues such as a planted button and a discarded matchbook cover. As they examine suspects including George Leroy, Nate Amico, and Dawn Vander, Vance predicts he will identify the killer within twenty-four hours. Vance ultimately solves the White Willow murder case by revealing that Dawn Vander killed both Stuart Ames and Nate Amico. He demonstrates how her attempts to create an alibi and cover up evidence, such as switching cigarette brands, provided the very clues necessary for her conviction.

A Sherlock Holmes mystery unfolds following the discovery of a fresh corpse dressed in Roman attire within an ancient, unearthed chamber. The victim, famous numismatologist Brutus Octavius Bainbridge, is linked by Holmes to a recent wave of high-quality counterfeit gold coins. Holmes and Dr. Watson confront Professor Moriarty at a counterfeit mint, but the entrance is destroyed, leaving them trapped in Roman bath ruins. While they eventually discover the counterfeiting operation, Moriarty manages to escape, leading to an epilogue regarding their reward.

This episode features a Sherlock Holmes radio dramatization centered on the case of Violet Hunter, who accepted a mysterious governess position at 'The Copper Beaches' despite strange requirements regarding her appearance. The mystery concludes with the revelation that Mr. Rewcastle had imprisoned his daughter in the West Wing to control her inheritance. Following a tense confrontation involving the mastiff Carlo and a daring rescue by her fiancé, Holmes and Watson depart the estate.

The episode begins with Lamont Cranston and Margot Lane witnessing the remarkable marksmanship of a boy named Walter, which later turns tragic when a dangerous experiment in Dr. Layden's laboratory leaves Walter blinded. Following a confrontation with The Shadow, Dr. Layden attempts to manipulate the blind boy into believing he has been abandoned by his company. As tensions escalate, The Shadow uncovers that recent deaths at the Jordan Company were not suicides but murders orchestrated by exploiting Walter's condition. The episode concludes with a confrontation between Walter and Dr. Layden, followed by a preview of next week's episode.

In this episode of The Adventures of Mr. and Mrs. North, Jerry and Pam North investigate a violent confrontation between publisher Jerry North and millionaire Gordon Gilroy that results in a shooting. As the investigation unfolds, the Norths discover evidence pointing toward private secretary Norman Crosby, including a trail of blood leading from his room. The mystery reaches its climax when Pam and Jerry uncover that Martha Gilroy is the killer. Using an icicle to commit the murders to protect her blackmailing scheme, Martha's motive is revealed to be revenge for her father's death.

Agent Steve Mitchell is assigned to Malaya to investigate a gang of bandits disrupting rubber plantations, potentially led by an American. Alongside British agent Willoughby and importer Perkins, Mitchell travels through the jungle, encountering suspicious circumstances at various plantations until a violent bandit attack occurs at Van Voorhees' plantation. Following the raid, Mitchell discovers that Perkins has been using his role as an eyewitness to transmit defense information via walkie-talkie. After tracking the bandits and neutralizing one member, Mitchell orchestrates a sting operation to capture Perkins, ultimately leading to the capture of the bandit leader and the revelation of the espionage scheme.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the murder of Joey Condon, a musician found dead in a rooming house. The investigation leads from jazz clubs to a watchmaker's shop on West 28th Street as Clover follows leads involving Charlie and Laura Wood. Through interrogating watchmaker George Prince and confronting Avery Roberts, the investigation reveals a pattern of violence and manipulation. The case culminates in a tense confrontation with the Woods, where Charles admits that jealousy drove him to kill.

Private detectives Mike Shane and Phyllis Knight investigate the murder of R.E. McIntyre, a case that begins with the discovery of a mummified human head and a strangled corpse in Mike's apartment. The investigation leads them through connections to Anthony Locke, a man named Ferd Starkle from Bolivia, and Ed Badger, uncovering a web of bribery and mining disputes. The mystery deepens as investigators interrogate Ed Badger and private detective Andy Blackmore, eventually discovering a second attempted murder at Anthony Locke's house. The case concludes with the revelation that Locke staged an attack on himself to cover up his crime.

A detective sergeant and his team respond to two consecutive liquor store robberies in Los Angeles committed by a man and a woman. The detectives interview the victims, who provide descriptions of the suspects, their clothing, and their getaway vehicle, a dark 1953 Ford sedan. Following a series of robberies, detectives investigate a tip from an attorney regarding a woman involved in criminal activity. After confronting Mrs. Winston at her apartment and finding incriminating clothing, she confesses to her involvement in the crimes and provides the location of her husband.

Private detective Richard Diamond goes undercover at a carnival after witnessing the sudden murder of a young man. Hired by Tony Lawrence to investigate a series of killings linked to her presence, Diamond works as a barker while investigating suspects like Chuckles the Clown and Samson the Strong Man. The investigation leads to the discovery of a lethal gun trap set for a man named Leonardo. By exposing that the killer failed to realize the victim was a midget, Diamond identifies Chuckles as the culprit behind the murder attempt.

Insurance investigator Johnny Dollar travels to Florida to assist Thomas Patterson, who is living in fear after being recognized by the recently released killer Casey Carey. After a neighbor reports hearing a gunshot at Carey's home, Johnny begins investigating Carey's murder. Initially, suspicion falls on Tom Patterson when a .32 caliber bullet from his gun is linked to the crime. However, through investigation into Billy Barker's past, Johnny discovers that Barker is actually Gerald Harker, who moved to Venice to seek revenge for his father's death, ultimately exonerating Patterson.

While caught in a rainstorm, Simon Templer and his driver Louie investigate the abandoned Hawthorne estate following rumors of ghostly figures. Their investigation leads to the discovery of lawyer Charles Gray's body and a peculiar will requiring the family to host annual period-accurate dinners to maintain their fortune. As the investigation deepens, Templer uncovers a series of murders involving slashed throats, including those of Mr. Gray and a cab driver. He ultimately reveals that Carla Hawthorne is the killer, motivated by her desire to secure the Hawthorne inheritance by preventing a divorce suit.

In this episode of 'This Is Your FBI' titled 'Danger in the Jury Box,' Special Agents Jim Taylor and Mark Jackson investigate a high-stakes case of jury tampering. After juror Tom Harris is bribed and kidnapped, criminals escalate their threats by abducting his daughter, Joyce. Through meticulous investigation involving map-work and tracking clues such as movie titles and ambulance calls, agents Taylor and Jackson successfully locate and apprehend the kidnappers, Herbert Martin and Joe. The episode concludes with the summary of the criminals' convictions.

Dr. Lester Allen is investigated by Inspector Faraday for the murder of Frances Fielding after Blackie accidentally implicates him. While a mysterious phone call and a diary entry suggest a motive involving an affair, Blackie discovers tampered telephone wires in the victim's basement that prove someone intercepted the doctor's call to the police. Blackie eventually uncovers a plot involving a forged diary used to frame Dr. Allen. Through his investigation, he reveals that Roger Fielding killed his sister and attempted to blackmail the doctor using a counterfeit diary. The episode concludes with Blackie apprehending Fielding just as he attempts to silence his accomplice, Kay Glenn.

Detectives Vance and Markham investigate the murder of Ezra Simmons within his highly secured mansion. As they examine the crime scene and interview suspects like secretary Betty Jarnis and caretaker Harold Eckner, Vance discovers a critical flaw: the caretaker's deafness rendered the advanced security system useless. The investigation uncovers a complex web of suspects, including hired killer Buck Digby and mastermind Mr. Rodney. Ultimately, Philo Vance solves the case by demonstrating how Jim Jarniss used a helicopter to bypass the mansion's security and land on the roof.

In this Sherlock Holmes radio drama, 'The Witch on the Moors,' Dr. Watson and Holmes investigate supernatural disturbances at Fenwick Hall involving the legend of a hanged witch. The investigation begins with the discovery of the gatekeeper Willie, who is found delirious after claiming to have flown on a broomstick using a mysterious salve. The mystery deepens as the duo investigates the death of Willie Malloy, who succumbed to narcotic poisoning from a magical-seeming ointment. Holmes eventually uncovers a web of domestic deceptions at Fenwick Hall, revealing that the 'witchcraft' was actually a series of pranks and manipulations involving Nanny's superstitions, Lady Fenwick's feigned illness, and hidden letters.

Dr. Watson examines the famous dispatch box of unpublished cases, leading into the dramatization of 'The Affair of the Politician, the Lighthouse, and the Trained Cormorant.' Set during a foggy night in Limehouse, Holmes and Watson witness a crime and encounter characters such as Mr. Hawkins and Mother Fishface. The investigation leads to the home of Mother Fishface, where Holmes discovers she has died from gas poisoning. Through deduction, Holmes reveals that the landlord, Mr. Hawkins, murdered her by using a fish to lure a flightless cormorant to open the gas jet.

In the episode 'Black Rock,' Lamont Cranston investigates a suspicious plane crash involving Burkett and stolen company funds. Using hypnotic suggestion, Cranston discovers the plane was operated by an automatic pilot to reach a remote location, leading him and Margot to approach Black Rock by seaplane. The mysterious figure eventually confronts the criminals on Black Rock, revealing he has sabotaged their food supply and freed their hostage. Following a tense standoff and the discovery of the stolen money's location, the criminals are left stranded awaiting the Coast Guard.

Jerry and Pamela North investigate the murder of Betty Moran, a checkroom girl found stabbed in a Russian restaurant. The investigation follows a cryptic message left by the victim, 'Women killed me,' leading the couple to Club Rouet. Through keen observation of physical evidence and a deciphered menu, Pam exposes Chuck Moran as the murderer responsible for the deaths of his wife and two men. The mystery is solved using clues ranging from cat hair to a missing letter in the victim's dying message.

Steve Mitchell is assigned to investigate a political scandal in the Middle East involving allegations of treason against a leader named Khatouf. His search leads him to Cairo, where he encounters an old acquaintance and discovers a body following an explosion, only to realize the victim is not his target. Following a trail to Liana, Mitchell and his companions face a confrontation on a houseboat and the death of Matala in an alley. Mitchell orchestrates a decoy plan using a dummy body to clear Khartouf of murder charges, leading to a chaotic showdown involving police, a betrayal by Sidis, and the eventual escape of the protagonists.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the murder of Joseph Brady, initially suspecting a local drunk named Herbie Lennon. However, the investigation takes a dramatic turn when a woman named Miss Sally Carr confesses to the crime, claiming she killed Brady to protect the vulnerable Herbie from an abusive attack. The investigation further reveals that Sally Carr is actually Hazel Thomas, a notorious individual from Brooklyn. Detectives uncover her true identity and motive through witnesses and a confrontation, leading to the revelation of a calculated plan to frame Herbie for the murder.

Private Detective Mike Shane and his associate Phyllis Knight investigate a murder at the Empire Theatre after discovering the body of dancer Estelle Carrow in her dressing room. As Mike uncovers cryptic lipstick messages and a mysterious locket, the investigation expands to include the discovery of the magician Frisee's death and a ransacked room. Through analyzing withheld telegrams and a hidden baby photograph, Mike reveals that Vic Hunter murdered both Estelle and Frisee to protect his access to an inheritance. The episode concludes with a confrontation regarding personal deceptions and a transition into commercial advertisements.

Detectives Frank and Friday investigate a $12,000 clothing burglary at Dodds Men's Store in Hollywood. The investigation uncovers partially stolen merchandise hidden nearby and leads to the interrogation of assistant manager Al Baker, who suggests potential insurance fraud by the store owner. As the investigation progresses, detectives follow leads toward Leonard Dodd due to financial motives, eventually arresting two youths carrying stolen clothes. This breakthrough leads police to a garage containing large quantities of stolen goods. The mastermind, Martin Hetman, is arrested and confesses to a scheme of underbidding on construction contracts and stealing merchandise to cover the profit difference.

Private investigator Richard Diamond is hired by Edna Wolfe to tail her husband, George, on suspicion of infidelity. The investigation takes a dark turn when Diamond discovers a dead woman in an apartment and finds evidence implicating George in her murder. After being kidnapped at gunpoint, Diamond survives a car crash and confronts criminal Eddie Young. Through a clever sting operation involving the use of ketchup to stage a crime scene, Diamond ultimately exposes Mrs. Wolfe's involvement in the murder of Nancy Fowler.

Freelance insurance investigator Johnny Dollar is hired by Mr. Reimer to investigate the theft of a valuable collection of miniatures. After one piece is mysteriously returned, Johnny follows leads from Paris to the Museum of Art, discovering that the stolen art surfaced on the black market. Johnny eventually uncovers an insurance fraud scheme, revealing that Mr. Reimer staged the robbery to collect insurance money. By tracking the sudden increase in the value of the pieces and observing their mysterious reappearance, Johnny confronts Reimer with evidence, leading to a confession.

In this episode of 'This Is Your FBI' titled 'The Return of the Killer,' the narrative follows the prison escape of Chicago Thompson and a complex web of double-crosses involving his associates, Frank Patterson and Martha Bentley. As FBI agents track a getaway vehicle and investigate the escape, the criminals attempt to use safe deposit boxes as leverage, only to face a betrayal that leads to violence. The story concludes with a violent shootout and the death of Chicago Thompson during his escape attempt with Martha Bentley. The program ends with an advertisement for the Equitable Life Assurance Society and production credits.

Boston Blackie investigates the theft of a 1942 Buick convertible that has been modified to hide its identity. While recovering the vehicle, Blackie finds himself accused by Inspector Faraday of involvement in a murder involving a victim named Leonard Wells. As the investigation unfolds, Blackie traces the car thefts and discovers a crucial clue: grease on the victim's hands. This leads him to deduce that the murder actually took place in Bill Morton's garage, ultimately allowing Blackie to confront Morton and resolve the crime.

The investigation into the murder of Broadway actor Richard West uncovers a web of motives involving his former girlfriend Jean Carey and struggling actor Bob Davis. As detective Philo Vance examines physical evidence like lipstick-stained glasses, he explores various grievances held by those in West's orbit. The case concludes as Vance reveals that Bob Davis planted false lipstick evidence to frame Jean Carey. The investigation culminates in a confession from B.J. Adams, who admits to murdering Richard West as an act of revenge for how West treated his long-lost daughter, Jean.

This episode features a dramatization of Sherlock Holmes's 'The Red-Headed League,' beginning with the arrival of Mr. Jabez Wilson and Holmes's demonstration of his extraordinary deductive abilities. The mystery unfolds as Holmes investigates the bizarre circumstances surrounding a vacancy for red-headed men. The investigation culminates in an ambush at the City and Suburban Bank, where Holmes, Watson, and Mr. Merriweather intercept the criminal John Clay to prevent a heist of French gold. Holmes reveals how he deduced the existence of a tunnel through subtle physical clues before concluding with a preview of next week's adventure in Limehouse.

The episode introduces the case of the missing Canadian heiress, Elizabeth Bascom, who was allegedly abducted from a carriage at Buckingham Palace. Following a threatening note signed by 'The Black Hand,' Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson examine the crime scene, noting an absence of struggle. The investigation leads Holmes and Watson from the carriage to the British Museum, where they trace clues found in a lunch hamper. They ultimately discover that Elizabeth and curator Percy Smithers orchestrated the disappearance themselves as part of an elaborate plan to be together.

In this episode of The Shadow, titled 'Shyster Payoff,' Commissioner Weston faces intense press pressure regarding a rising crime wave. The Shadow proposes a deal to dismantle a criminal syndicate led by the corrupt lawyer Rex Tigard, while Lamont Cranston tracks Tigard's legal exploits to gather evidence. The operation culminates in a sting at the Empire Hotel involving Dr. Lambert and the Dale siblings. Following a tense confrontation and the seizure of incriminating evidence, police arrive to arrest the gang members, including political fixer Grogan.

Rocky Fortune rents a room at 55 Bishop Street, only to find himself caught in a dangerous dispute between Gerald Kinsey and the landlady's son, Lenny. After discovering Helen Kinsey locked in a garbage shed, Rocky must navigate a series of confrontations involving heavy-handed threats and a narrow escape inside a garbage truck. A confrontation between Gerald, Helen, and Lenny leads to a fatal shooting. While the characters attempt to hide the evidence in garbage cans, an encounter with a police officer and a garbage man ultimately leads to their arrest.

Agent Steve Mitchell is assigned to investigate the murder of Holcomb and the theft of a vital report regarding Arctic warfare technology. After tracking clues from Quebec to Paris, Mitchell discovers that Phyllis Baxter, the primary suspect, is attempting to evade capture by using a series of international transport links. Following the death of Phyllis, Steve Mitchell and Duval track a potential lead to the Orient Express, where they encounter suspicious passengers. The investigation leads them to Istanbul, where Steve realizes that Karen and Duval are actually working together to retrieve the microfilm hidden inside a compact. The episode concludes with a tense confrontation revealing the true location of the microfilm.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the disappearance of Lona Hanson, beginning with a search of her disarrayed apartment containing bloodstains. The investigation leads from a boxing arena to Spanish Harlem, where the grim discovery is made that Lona has been found dead. As the investigation continues, lab reports reveal that the blood found at the crime scene does not match the victim. While suspect Julio Rios confesses to a physical altercation with Lona, he maintains his innocence regarding her murder.

Private detective Mike Shane and the Inspector of Homicide investigate a body found in the bay, initially believed to be the owner of the yacht North Star. Through forensic observations regarding red lead stains and manicured hands, Mike suspects the victim was murdered and dressed in sailor's clothing to stage an accident. The investigation uncovers evidence of a cover-up involving freshly painted red lead on the ship's stanchions. The detectives eventually expose the Captain and Jackson as the murderers of Mr. Carter, revealing a plot driven by greed to find hidden money.

Detectives Friday and Smith investigate a violent robbery at the Lockton Market, where two clerks were assaulted and approximately $8,000 was stolen. After reviewing witness descriptions and interrogating Jerry Evanston, the detectives identify Harold Bishop as a suspect despite evidence suggesting he was in Phoenix. The investigation leads to an airport stakeout and a high-stakes pursuit that ends in a collision. Following a tense rooftop standoff, the detectives arrest four men involved in the robbery spree, resulting in life sentences for the perpetrators.

Private detective Richard Diamond investigates the suspicious death of his friend Frank Bowers, who allegedly committed suicide by jumping from the Brooklyn Bridge following a fixed boxing match. As Diamond interviews witnesses and confronts boxer Max Farmer, he begins to suspect foul play involving a syndicate. Diamond eventually solves the murder by connecting Max Farmer's past as a high diver to the staged suicide. He discovers that Max and Lorna Thorne conspired to kill Frank for financial gain and a mink coat.

Johnny Dollar is summoned to New York by Ed Behringer to prevent a predicted murder involving Lucian Fletcher, only to arrive and find Fletcher already dead. Johnny meets Fletcher's business partner, Bill Spade, who presents a flight ticket from Philadelphia as an alibi, though Johnny remains suspicious of his involvement. As the investigation continues, Johnny pieces together evidence from a flight attendant and hotel staff to expose the flaws in Spade's elaborate alibi. After confronting Spade, the detective identifies nervous slip-ups that lead to a full confession, bringing the case to a resolution.

Simon Templer, known as The Saint, investigates a series of anonymous 'poison pen' letters circulating on a university campus. His inquiries involve several individuals connected to the subject of the letters, Angela Barnhart, including Professor Hobson and Coach Ritko. The investigation takes a dark turn following the mysterious death of Professor Hobson. The tension culminates at the stadium, where Templer discovers that Buzz Barnhart is responsible for the letters and ultimately falls to his death during a confrontation.

This episode of 'This is Your FBI' presents a dramatic story involving a family-run farm caught in a whiskey hijacking scheme. While the parents attempt to outsmart two young criminals by drugging and tying up one of them, the situation turns fatal when the captive criminal is found dead. The investigation follows the aftermath of Jack Brown's death and the subsequent apprehension of Chuck Parker. The episode also features an analysis of the case and advertisements for the Equitable Life Assurance Society.

During a baseball game, player Mike Allen is shot and killed while sliding into second base. While Inspector Faraday suspects Boston Blackie, Blackie investigates the scoreboard area and discovers that the shot actually originated from behind it, where he also finds a murdered scoreboard boy. Blackie's investigation leads him to a hotel, where he suspects the clerk, French, of being the killer due to a mistaken identity involving a baseball lineup change. After Blackie uses a fake blackmail scheme to lure French into a trap, the porter confesses to the murders while attempting to extort money.

The investigation begins with the exposure of a fraudulent 'Consolidated Charities' scheme and the murder of its leader, Michael Miller. Detective Philo Vance investigates the crime, noting a specific clue regarding a suspect with a bruised face, while navigating an intense encounter with Morton Gary. Following an assassination attempt on Vance, he uses forensic deduction involving a makeup stain to identify the culprits. Vance ultimately reveals that Donald Stone was the shooter and accuses Morton Gary of being the murderer of Michael Miller.

In this Sherlock Holmes radio drama, Dr. Watson recounts the mysterious death of Lady Blenkinsop, who was found dead in a room bolted from the inside. While initial theories suggested an accidental overdose or suicide involving poisoned birthday brandy, Holmes reveals a much darker truth. Through careful investigation of clues like the behavior of a dog and physical evidence, Holmes proves that Dr. Tillinghurst murdered Lady Blenkinsop by strangulation to steal her genuine pearls. The case concludes with the exposure of the doctor's crime and the recovery of the stolen jewels.

In this episode of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson and Holmes visit Nuremberg, where they encounter Ferdinand Langer, the keeper of a torture museum, who is being threatened by anonymous letters. While touring the Five-Cornered Tower, the group discovers the body of a woman inside the infamous Iron Maiden statue. Holmes observes that the corpse shows no signs of rigor mortis, suggesting the death occurred long before the body was placed in the device. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson successfully execute a trap in a castle's torture room to expose the madness of Mr. Langner, resulting in his injury and capture. Following the resolution, the group encounters Miss Simpson on their upcoming trip, while Holmes secretly plans an early departure from Germany.

In this episode of The Shadow, Lamont Cranston and Margot Lane visit a plantation in Haiti where they encounter the lingering dread of voodoo rituals. As tensions rise during the eve of the Festival of the Blood Moon, Margot attempts to find the missing boy Juan by meeting a mysterious woman in the jungle, leading them directly into a confrontation with the high priest Keon. In a dramatic confrontation, Margot uses the power of suggestion and hypnosis to pose as a powerful priestess, successfully challenging the voodoo leader Keon and preventing human sacrifice. Following the chaos in the grotto, Margot and Lamont reflect on their journey from a plane over Haiti, contemplating the enduring nature of belief and ignorance.

Unemployed man Rocky Fortune accepts a high-paying, mysterious job at the Zenith Foundation in the Utah desert to pilot a prototype rocket. However, he soon discovers that the ship is actually a fraudulent construction made of cheap materials and filled with dynamite. Designed by Milton and the Professor to swindle the Colonel out of five million dollars, the scheme involves staging a fake accident. After nearly dying in a suffocating spacesuit, Rocky manages to incapacitate Milton and expose the scam to the Colonel.

Agent Steve Mitchell travels to Madrid to investigate the disappearance of Dr. Wicek, a scientist whose vital research on radio tubes is at risk. His investigation leads him from a tense encounter with bullfighter La Avispa to a confrontation with a suspicious hotel employee, Enrique. After tracking Enrique to a house, Mitchell discovers Dr. Wicek is being coerced into leaving the country. Following a high-speed chase and the rescue of Maria Wiecek, Mitchell confronts Consuela and Manescu. The investigation culminates in a dramatic revelation during a celebratory toast, where Mitchell exposes Manescu's plot to poison him.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the brutal beating of 19-year-old Jimmy Barton, a young man struggling with unemployment following a car accident involving Charles Ralston. The investigation takes a dark turn when Ralston is found shot to death in an alley, linking the two men through their shared history of injury. As the investigation deepens, Clover uncovers a web of deception involving Mrs. Ralston, who has been using Jimmy Barton as a surrogate for her deceased son. The truth emerges during a confrontation at Mrs. Ralston's apartment, revealing that Jimmy was being compensated with gifts to lie to the police.

Dr. Grant reveals she is being blackmailed by John F. Hunt, a man from her past who resurfaces in San Francisco. During a social gathering at the Grant residence, Hunt is found dead from a gunshot wound, triggering an investigation by police and private investigators Mike Shane and Phyllis Knight. The investigation uncovers that Hunt was an ex-convict blackmailing his sister, Dr. Mary Allen, and reveals a conspiracy involving the butler, Collins. Through careful deduction, Mike proves the fatal shot was fired from outside the house via a pantry window to manipulate the sound of the crime. The mystery concludes with the discovery of Hunt's motive—a complex web of blackmail affecting several individuals—and the revelation that his greed in cheating his partners led to his downfall.