Case of Fiery Fingers

The Case of the Fiery Fingers, by Erle Stanley Gardner This book is dedicated to Doctor Joseph T. Walker and begins by discussing circumstantial evidence, and the various inferences that can be drawn from a fact. It tells what scientific investigation can deduce from a discarded coat along a highway. Often an explanation for some physical clue may turn out to be incorrect. Gardner uses an example from Doctor Joseph T. Walker, an officer of the Massachusetts State Police, and that discarded coat. Doctor Walker has brought murderers to justice and prevented the unjust conviction of the innocent. This story is as fast moving as a big roller coaster, with as many twists and turns to hold your interest until the last page. Erle Stanley Gardner's taut and sparse prose keeps the story moving along. It is one of the best "Perry Mason" mysteries, superior to any film or TV drama. This book starts out when a practical nurse consults with Perry Mason over a possible murder, and ask how to prevent a murder! Next this nurse is arrested for stealing jewelry from her employer; Perry Mason defends her successfully. The problem is assigning guilt when there are numerous suspects. But this story is just starting! Then the patient she cares for is murdered by arsenic. The patient's sister is arrested; she hires Perry Mason to defend her. Now the story picks up speed, and we see numerous twists and surprises to this story. Just how Perry's client is not guilty of this murder comes out at the surprise ending.