The Case of the Terrified Typist — Erle Stanley Gardner

With several briefs in the works and his usual typist unavailable, Perry Mason sends for one from a temp agency. When a carefully dressed woman appears at the office, the receptionist asks if she's the typist and she says yes.

Everyone notices she's terribly afraid of something, but boy, can she type! Later that day the offices of the South African Gem Importing and Exploration Company, located on the same floor as Mason's office, are rifled, and the typist disappears mysteriously -- even before she's finished typing the brief.

So with the introduction of South African diamonds into the case, it isn't long before murder follows, and Mason, assisted by his wonderful secretary Della Street and his private investigator Paul Drake, undertakes the intricate job of solving THE CASE OF THE TERRIFIED TYPIST.

THE MOST DANGEROUS TYPE

Perry Mason needs a temporary typist, and Mae Wallis fills the bill. But why does she fly the coop in a panic before finishing the job--and collecting her pay? And why would she leave behind a pair of diamonds hidden in a wad of chewing gum? Maybe it's got something to do with the bizarre break-in at the gem importing company down the hall from Mason's office.

When one of the gem company's owners is charged with taking part in the smuggling scheme--and with murdering his accomplice--Perry agrees to defend him. But the accused man would rather die than cooperate. And he might get his wish. Unless Mason can track down the ever-so-elusive terrified typist.