Two-Thirds of a Ghost — Helen McCloy

Two-Thirds of a Ghost, a Dr. Basil Willing Mystery, by Helen McCloy

“One of the most enjoyable whodunits of this or any season. Reason: Its gorgeous satire on the book publishing business and the people in it or on the fringes.” -- Columbus Dispatch

Amos Cottle was a valuable property -- a first-rate novelist who produced four best sellers in four years. He had to be protected. From himself (he was an ex-alcoholic). And from his wife (she was a gold-digging siren and she spelled trouble). His publisher and his agent thought Amos's problems were solved when they clawed the beautiful Vera out of his hair and shipped her off to Hollywood. But they were wrong. For there came a night when Vera returned. That was the night Amos had to have a drink. It was too bad he never lived to sober up.

“One of the most entertaining mysteries of the year.” -- Denver Sunday Post
“Cleverly complex.” -- Kirkus
“Extremely enjoyable.” -- New York Herald Tribune
“Tricky and top-notch.” -- Chattanooga Times
“Excellent.” -- Raleigh News & Observer

[2013 August 18: Completely re-proofed in-house.]