The Case of the Black-Eyed Blonde
Cover Artist: not identifiedBy: Gardner, Erle Stanley
Publisher: Pocket Books, Inc. (4502)
Place of Publication:New York, NY
Catalog #: Kelley Coll. PS3513 .A6322 C225 1962
Contributor: S. Roe
General
Era: 1940sAuthor as on Cover: Erle Stanley Gardner
Publication:1962 (9th printing)
Original Date: 1944
Setting: urban and rural (chicken ranch)
Plot Summary
A radio actress named Diana Regis works as a paid reader for wealthy Jason Bartsler, but she lands on Perry Mason's office doorstep with a black eye after she is accused of theft by the boss's stepson. The complex plot involves adoption and kidnapping, and Diana is charged with the shooting death of her look-alike roommate. Perry must deal with a confirmed skeptic, a spoiled brat, a confusion of identities, a murder, and the fate of a small boy.Major Characters
Perry Mason "Chief", adult male, tall, well-built, defense attorneyDella Street adult female, 30s, pretty, smart, Perry Mason's legal secretary
Frank Glenmore adult male, 38 years old, thickset, agile, warm brown eyes, operator who runs mines for people at so much per ton for ore that's removed and sent to the mill
Diana Regis adult female, 26 years old, light blonde hair, rather large eyes that are bluish green with long lashes, could be beautiful with the proper makeup; a girl who could use her head in an emergency and does not give way to tears, divorcée, radio actress
Jason Bartsler adult male, middle-aged, tall, suave, Diana's employer
Carl Fretch adult male, 22 years old, 4-F draft classification, slender, dark hair, sideburns, Mrs. Bartsler's son by a former marriage
Mrs. Bartsler adult female, middle-aged but looks like a woman of 35, skin, hair, and figure show evidence of constant care