Another winner from the man dubbed “King Of The Paperbacks.”
Ric Durazo is on his way to New Mexico from New York. He’s been told what motel to stay in and wait for a phone call. The owner’s wife, the bored Peggy, is sending obvious signals to Ric but he’s not interested.
Outside his window is the swimming pool. The woman in the cottage next door is there. Very nice view. Her pretty boy husband comes out and the two argue. Later on Ric sees him adjusting the gas pipe to their cottage and then take off.
He doesn’t want to but investigates. He finds her out cold on the floor. He shuts off the gas and revives her in his room. Now he can’t get rid of her. She eventually leaves but later on her husband charges in. He and Ric get into it and he gets the worst of it.
He vows revenge and says he has a story all ready for the police. Ric knows he’s clever enough to pull it off. Ric drives out but the woman, Eve, blocks his way and then gets in his car. They hear police sirens and know that hubby Martin sold them a bill of goods. Now it’s time to run.
After a long chase they get to a motel where Ric stashes Eve. He calls his former motel for messages. The one he’s been waiting for has called. Now the book gets into why Ric was sent there. It’s another fast paced, suspensful ride from Whittington.
It’s defintely worthwhile to seek out his Gold Medal originals and the several reprints from Black Lizard.He’s one of the finest crime writers of the era and shouldn’t be forgotten. The Black Lizard editions start with an article by Whittington called, “I Remember It Well.” Those interested in a top writer’s experiences shouldn’t miss it.
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