Dead Weight / Deadlock

by Ruth Fenisong, Curtis Evans (Introduction)

DEAD WEIGHTMike Carmody operates an expensive weight reducing salon in New York City. He’s got it made—an attractive wife, a sexy secretary, and a group of very rich women who hang on his every word. Then his stepbrother Vance shows up. And suddenly Carmody is being accused of a hit-and-run fatality, and having to answer a lot of pointed questions from Police Captain Gridley Nelson. Then there is a death in the group, an overdose that could be suicide… or murder. It’s crazy enough that this police captain thinks he hit someone with his car. Now Nelson is really poking his nose into Carmody’s business. And who knows what Vance is up to.DEADLOCKGlen Williams is dead, shot through the chest. Lieutenant Gridley Nelson, Acting Captain of Homicide, has more than enough suspects since Williams had a large circle of friends to whom he offered hope and encouragement. To Joss and Morgan Woodruff he promised patronage for Morgan’s song-writing talents. To Tom Gaudio, help in promoting his photography. To Sarah Thrace, a has-been actress, he offered the chance of a comeback. And to Fred and Dora Storch, he promised care for their mentally handicapped son. Williams gathered them all around him like a guardian angel. But did he intend to deliver on his promises? Could one of his dear friends have had a reason to kill him?

304 pages, Paperback

Published January 11, 2020

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my full review click on the links below:
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[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead Weight (1962) and Deadlock (1952) were the thirteenth and seventh entries in the author's Gridley Nelson series. Nelson is a New York City police investigator, a humane and perceptive, Princeton-educated contrast to the normal run of American cops of the period.

Although, as Curtis Evans points out in his excellent Introduction, Fenisong had champions as eminent as Anthony Boucher, she soon fell out of favour after her death in 1978. This is a pity as, on the evidence of these reprints, she combines deft characterisation with interesting plots and good writing.

The ideas behind both novels are original and ingenious, and to say much about either is difficult without spoiling the surprises.

Very readable and highly-enjoyable.

Strongly recommended. This edition is good value.