The Case of the Borrowed Brunette
Cover Artist: not identifiedBy: Gardner, Erle Stanley
Publisher: Pocket Books, Inc. (856)
Place of Publication:New York, NY
Catalog #: Kelley Coll. PS3513 .A6322 C2256 1952
Contributor: S. Roe
General
Era: 1940sAuthor as on Cover: Erle Stanley Gardner
Publication:1952
Original Date: 1946
Setting: urban
Plot Summary
Perry Mason and Della Street become embroiled in a mystery after noticing brunettes -- similar in physical features and dressed alike -- on every corner along a downtown street. After finding out that each has responded to an advertisement in that morning's paper, Perry is hired by the girl chosen and her companion to determine just what's going on. After one dead body turns up along with a murder weapon bearing Perry's fingerprint, Mason concludes that the next time he discovers anyone borrowing a brunette, they can keep her!Major Characters
Perry Mason "Chief", adult male, tall, well-built, defense attorneyDella Street adult female, pretty, smart, Perry Mason's legal secretary
Paul Drake adult male, tall, lanky, private investigator, owner of the Drake Detective Agency
Eva Martell adult female, one of the brunettes who answers the advertisement and the one who is actually hired
Adelle Winters adult female, middle-aged, redhead, chunky, practical nurse, Eva's companion during the time of her employment, described as the "greatest liar in the world"; she nursed both Eva and Cora's mothers when they were tots and has kept her eye on both girls ever since
Orville Reedley adult male, powerful man with a dynamic personality
Helen Reedley adult female, trim, young brunette; a woman who is quite aware that her figure won't go unnoticed; radiates a super-charged effect and perfect health; large dark eyes with sweeping lashes and delicately arched brows; wife of Orville Reedley
Harry Gulling adult male, the district attorney and Perry's opponent in court
Carlotta Tipton adult female, mid-20s, red hair, slightly taller than average, smooth skinned
Robert Dover Hines adult male, about 30 years old, nondescript, dark hair and glasses, tall, prominent nose, gambler among other things