Knocked For a Loop
Cover Artist: Jerry AllisonBy: Rice, Craig pseudonym of Georgiana Ann Randolph Craig
Publisher: Pocket Books (1215) - 1st printing
Place of Publication:New York, NY
Catalog #: Kelley Box 360: PS3535 .I2217 K6 1958
Contributor: E. Griffin
General
Era: 1950sAuthor as on Cover: Craig Rice
Publication:1958
Original Date: 1957
Setting: urban
Plot Summary
Chicago lawyer John J. Malone finds himself framed for the murder of anti-crime crusader Leonard Estapoole and implicated in the kidnapping of Estapoole's stepdaughter Alberta Commanday. While trying to find the real murderer, or at least clear his name, Malone is befriended by ex-chorus girl Tommie Storm and aided by crime boss Max Hook. Things get more complicated when Malone's old friend Jake Justus reports that his wife Helene has gone missing after rushing to Chicago to visit the Estapooles, an affable but complex combined family full of suspects. Malone's efforts to solve the case are further complicated by a kidnap victim who insists on staying kidnapped and a second murder. Along the way, he falls for a "thoroughly nice" girl and manages - barely - to keep himself and his friends out of jail.Major Characters
John J. Malone adult male, short, dark, messy, lawyerFrank McGinniss adult male, dark, handsome, apparently a small-time crook
Jane Estapoole adult female, petite, brown hair, occupation not given
Leonard Estapoole middle-aged male, thin, ascetic-looking, financier and anti-crime crusader
Antonio (Tony) Clancy aka Art Medinica, adult male, chauffeur, crook
Jake Justus adult male, publicity agent
Helene Justus adult female, blonde, beautiful, publicity agent and socialite
Daniel von Flanagan adult male, police officer, head of the homicide squad
Bernice ("Tommy") Storm adult female, blonde, beautiful, ex-chorus girl, private secretary