The Exploits of the Patent Leather Kid — Erle Stanley Gardner

Before he created Perry Mason, Erle Stanley Gardner (1889-1970) was one of the most popular writers for the mystery and adventure pulp magazines, with their sensational covers, two-fisted heroes, and non-stop action. The Patent Leather Kid is an elegant crook, hiding his identity with mask, gloves, and shoes made out of black patent leather. In truth, he is a wealthy, seemingly indolent socialite, who becomes a terror to the underworld. In the gang-ridden world of the Depression, The Kid knows that - - the rulers of today were the corpses of tomorrow, where survival was the price of keen observation and rapid thought - -; His enemy, Inspector Brame, believes that The Kid is - -apparently one who loves adventure. His crimes are committed for excitement, rather than gain. And, in everything he does, he gives proof of a superior mentality - - This is the third volume in Crippen & Landru's collections of Erle Stanley Gardner s short stories. The book is edited by the modern master of the private-eye story, Bill Pronzini. The cover is by Gail Cross. It is also the 30th in Crippen & Landru's series of - Lost Classics -- mystery stories by great writers of the past.