The Case of the Drowning Duck

Circumstances don't lie, but the interpretation of circumstances by men can be false. This 1942 book introduces readers to the new chemical called a detergent. It can affect the oil on a duck's feathers so a duck will no longer float on the water. Perry Mason and Della Street are on a vacation in Palm Springs when John L. Witherspoon asks for advice regarding his daughter Lois. Mr. Witherspoon disapproves of his daughter's boyfriend Marvin, and wants to end their romance. This requires Mason to re-investigate the trial of Marvin's father. Another private detective had done this; but he is found dead by poison. Mr. Witherspoon has visitors at his ranch. Later the bedridden Mr. Burr is found dead by the same poison. There are complications arising from that 18-year old murder trial, and the unknown "Miss X" of that time. Coincidences pop up among the characters in this story. Chapter 17 points out the fickleness of public opinion. Marvin was president of his class, editor of the school paper. Popular and successful in college, and well-liked. But if they find out his father was a convicted murderer, what then? John L. Witherspoon retained the best local trial lawyer in the valley. The Preliminary Hearing in Chapter 19 presents a "locked room murder" of Mr. Burr. Paul Drake's investigations reveal new facts. Mason is hired by Witherspoon and begins cross-examining witnesses. In a meeting in the Judge's chambers Mason draws the connections from the known facts to point to a solution of the murders. Perry and Della continue their vacation at a new location. This book documents those times, and leaves some events implied rather than explicit.

Wealthy Witherspoon's only daughter is engaged to Marvin Adams, a son of a man convicted and executed as a murderer. Witherspoon asks Mason to investigate whether Marvin's father was really a murderer. However, in Witherspoon's mind, Marvin is already a potential killer, and he strongly inclines to pull them apart by any means. The young lovers are sensitive and nervous. And a blackmailer is hanging around...The strained beginning attracts me, the situation which Mason describes as "loaded with emotional dynamite". Very well-plotted mystery entangled with past and present murders, and the development is unpredictable. It's a pity that the climax is not so dramatic.One thing that interests me besides the story; Mason says that arrogant Witherspoon should get jolted and adds that the whole Americans also should get jolted because they take it for granted that they are the strongest in the World. It is a little surprising that such a statement was written in 1942 when the America was fighting the World War II. I wonder how American people feel if they read such a statement NOW.

I love Perry Mason books. Mason is a little bit fast and a little bit dangerous and always on the edge of making a risque and witty joke that the slightly cynical Della Street would be sure to get-- even though the clients he defends wouldn't. The Case of the Drowning Duck has all the elements that make Gardner books great. Even if it's not exceptional, it surely is enjoyable.