Banking on Death

John Putnam Thatcher #1

by Emma Lathen

This universally acclaimed debut by Lathen (a pseudonym for the writing team of Mary J. Latsis and Martha Henissart) introduced mystery fans to amateur sleuth/Wall Street banker John Putnam Thatcher. Newsweek describes Lathen as "a master plotter, an elegant stylist, a comic genius and a purist who never sacrifices logic for surprise effect."

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Christmas, Crime, The United States Of America

166 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

Aka R.B. Dominic

Emma Lathen is the pen name of two American businesswomen: an attorney Mary Jane Latsis (July 12, 1927 -October 29, 1997) and an economic analyst Martha Henissart (b. 1929),who received her B.A. in physics from Mount Holyoke College in 1950.

http://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/31/boo...

Reviews

[Margaret Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tightly written murder mystery written in the early 1960s. Like many books written that long ago a large number of the difficulties faced by characters investigating the crime or, indeed, just carrying out their normal job related duties, have disappeared from modern life due to technological changes. Simply getting news about a murder that occurred in another city in the same state involve locating copies of that city's newspapers in bound form from the nearest library and reading each edition looking for any mentions. Finding a 'lost' family member takes weeks even though that person has not changed his name or his social security number and even though he is a senior office in a successful company.

At the Sloan Guarantee Trust, phones are all landlines and calls are answered by female secretaries who type letters and take dictation. Messenger boys carry files from one floor of the building to another. Entire rooms are filled with filing cabinets. Everyone drinks during the day even if they are planning to drive away to their next meeting and everyone smokes and doesn't ask permission to do so.

Readers of mysteries written decades ago are used to these moments of realizing that the past is a foreign country but the Lathen books add a special flavour to that sense of deep dislocation for the present day reader. At the time these books were written investment banking was still a world filled with extremely cautious and careful individuals and finance was shaped by the wall between investment and commercial, created by the Glass–Steagall Act in 1933 (and not repealed until 1999.) The Wall Street security analysts of the Lathen series are financially conservative long term thinkers who frown on the anyone trying to circumvent the system. And that fact, more than any changes in technology or gender roles, may make the world of New York finance of the early 1960s seem more unfamiliar (and unbelievable) than much science fiction to many readers just discovering this series now

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two intellectual women meet in college in the 1950s. One is a lawyer, the other an economist. They bond over a shared love of mysteries. One day, they’re talking, and one says, “Do you have any mysteries to recommend?” The other says, “No.” The first says, “Let’s write one!” They combine their names, and they write under a pen name. They go on to write over twenty-five books together. For years, nobody knows the one writer is two. They keep their identities hidden to protect the lawyer’s clients. Eventually, people find out. Their process is to come up with a plot together then write every other chapter. One always starts, the other always finishes. Then, they review the whole book together to avoid inconsistencies. They end up living together all their lives. One never wants to marry but is concerned with society’s opinions so carries on a love affair with a man for over 40 years without ever living with him. The other dates men but never settles down. When one gets sick and passes away in the middle of writing a book, the other says she may finish it on her own then decides not to. So ends their amazing friendship and partnership that started with “Let’s write one!”
This isn’t the plot of Banking on Death, of course; it’s the story of Emma Lathen, aka Mary LAtsis and Martha HENnisart, two long-term friends who started a mystery-writing dynasty with Banking on Death. In researching their story, I found a plot that was in many ways more interesting and definitely more touching than the plot of their novel. That’s saying a lot because I REALLY enjoyed this story!
Banking on Death is fascinating as it involves details of banking that aren’t boring. I love the NYC 1960s office culture. The mystery is intriguing, and I wanted to know whodunnit, and I was satisfied with the resolution, BUT I loved even more the characters and atmosphere of the book. Lathen builds the plot carefully, and the characters really come to life as the story moves forward. I can’t overstate how important the setting is. I love books from the 60s that really give a feel for that time period. This book is very much rooted in time. It couldn’t have taken place anywhere but Wall Street in a trust company’s office in 1961, and I love that about it.
I highly recommend this book to people interested in trust funds and investing and banking, mystery lovers, and 1960s buffs. I definitely want to read more John Putnam Thatcher mysteries and honor the beautiful friendship of these two ladies who made up Emma Lathen, an effective writer. Note: to me, the writing is seamless. I tried to find distinctions in the chapters, knowing they wrote every other one, but I couldn’t. Amazing!

[Teri-K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Welcome to the world of John Putnam Thatcher, Senior Vice President at Wall Street's Sloan Guarantee Trust, the third largest bank in the world. The Sloan may be a force in international finance and Thatcher may be as conservative as such a banker should be, but none of that precludes him from getting involved in murder. In this first book in the long-running series, Thatcher first gets pulled into the Schneider family's difficulties when it becomes time for the Sloan to release a long-standing trust. A missing heir, two fatherless boys and the snowstorm of the decade make unraveling the strands of this mystery difficult for Thatcher, but not impossible.

Along the way the reader meets some of Thatcher's co-workers, notably Charlie Trinkham, man-about-town and second under Thatcher; Everett Gabler, a pompous nay-sayer, and my personal favorite Ken Nicholls, rising star at Sloan. And don't forget Miss Corsa, Thatcher's secretary who runs Thatcher's schedule and everyone else with rigid efficiency.

I always enjoy rereading this book, though it isn't one of my favorites as the authors hadn't developed the dry humor that shines in their later work. Still, it's a good introduction to the series and should please fans of classic mysteries. Thatcher is a smart, detached, wry observer of human nature, a widower with almost no social life. No profanity, sex or violence here. Instead these books feel to me much like Agatha Christie novels, with a focus on a few likable characters and the mystery itself. All the clues the reader needs to unwind the puzzle are included but they're pretty deftly hidden.

The stories are very well-written, intelligent, and contain some gentle humor. People are presented in all their strengths and weaknesses, but Thatcher's general kindness keeps them from looking ridiculous. Usually, anyway. Another strength of the series is the variety of settings. The mysteries don't actually take place at the bank, but instead in different businesses the bank has an interest in. Later books give the reader an insider's look into some aspect of business. I really enjoy these forays, as well as the minor characters we meet as the story develops.

A possible complaint is that, despite the fact that the author was actually two highly successful professional women, all the MCs are men. The only females here are wives, daughters and secretaries. This never bothered me, I think because when the women do show up they're generally pretty sharp and independent. (Also, it's not like the men are paragons of intelligence or virtue, either. There's a sweetly cynical cast to everyone in these books that I like.) Times have changed enough that these books feel more historical than contemporary, to me. Still it's too bad no one broke the glass ceiling at Sloan Guarantee and Trust during this series.

I've been a fan of this author for decades - I own all of her (their) books, picked up in pre-Internet days from used book stores and library sales. Still, I'm very happy to see the books available on ebook for reasonable prices. You don't always have access to your books, (mine are in storage in another state right now), and it's easier to recommend books to friends if they're actually available to the reader. So, yeah ebooks! (Some Amazon reviews mention terrible typos and other errors. Apparently these have been fixed in the titles I've purchased so far. You can always try an ebook and return it to Amazon if the typos aren't fixed.)

It's not necessary to read the series in order, as each book is very much a stand alone. My favorites are: When in Greece, Murder to Go, Pick Up Sticks, Ashes to Ashes, Murder Without Icing, Going for the Gold and Right on the Money. This author really deserves to be much more widely read. I hope she soon will be.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I particularly recommend this series (and the 6-book series written by the same authors under the pseudonym "R.B. Dominic") to those who like the Nero Wolfe mysteries. Stout's Wolfe stories are my favorite mysteries, and Lathen's are the closest to Stout (at his best) that I've found--closest in tone, plotting, and overall intelligence.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small obscure trust involves John Putnam Thatcher with a family that produces industrial felt, and a murder of a long-lost heir. This is the introduction to all of the characters who delighted readers for many years and through many sequels.

[Judy Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Putnam Thatcher is Senior Vice President of the Sloan Guaranty Trust, the third largest bank in the world. He is a respected and recognized figure on Wall Street. He returns to his office one day to find Arthur Schneider demanding to meet with the top man to discuss his family trust. Thatcher agrees to see him and finds himself first irritated and then intrigued by this small bank trust - a nuisance account, as far as the Sloan is concerned because of its size.

There's a missing heir and Thatcher helps the trust officer assigned to the case find the man. Unfortunately, it's too late. He's been murdered.

Thatcher is intrigued and can't leave it to the police, so he uses his financial contacts to do some investigating.

This book was published in 1962 and written by two women who had first hand knowledge of this world. It's an intriguing view of the professional world where women are in the typing pool and bring coffee to their bosses. Or they are trophy wives to middle aged men. Or sulky, strident women complaining of neglect. Or worse, truly forgotten by their ambitious husbands and left to fend for themselves. I haven't decided, yet, if the books are sexist, quietly feminist, or just reflecting the times. For a man's world, the women really stood out.

It's a good mystery. I was ahead of Thatcher with a couple of the clues, but in his defense, I read this book 30 years ago, so I had a inkling of what was happening.

[Andrea]

I picked this up after seeing the author mentioned on Rachel Neumeier's blog. Reading the ebook involved wading through two prologues explaining that Emma Lathen was a pen-name for two very accomplished women, calling them an American Christie, and the detective Nero Wolfe with a portfolio. It's a bad idea to make such comparisons because the reader inevitably spends their time comparing the offering unfavourably to two such giants.

Banking on Death is not a particularly remarkable read, but it was pleasant enough, and I'll probably continue on to see how 'Lathen' matured as a writer (the two authors apparently alternated paragraphs). I was a little put off by the treatment of women in the story - there were quite a few women, but none of them came across very well (and fell into categories labelled in text as slut, lush, naive, down-trodden and 'secretary').

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good first book in a long series. Pleasant main characters with whom I could spend more time. The banking and financial setting is different from other mysteries I read and some of the action is set in Boston (the street in front of the BPL must have been two-way in the 60's).

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compulsively readable characters and tantalizing plotting. No sensationalism necessary.

Read 4 times

[David Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Julian Symons and his book, “Bloody Murder” for recommending this rather wonderful writer (or writers as it turns out that Emma Lathen is the pseudonym of two ladies, Mary J. Lassis and Martha Henissart who apparently write alternate chapters like Sjowall and Wahloo).
It’s 1961 and in Wall Street, John Putnam Thatcher, VP of the Sloan Guaranty Trust - the third largest bank in the world - receives an unheralded visit from Arthur Schneider, who like most self-important business customers assumes Thatcher will know who he is. Thatcher has no idea but by dint of clever questioning and experience manages to engage our sympathy and draw some sense of what the agitated man wants.
It’s all to do with the management of a Trust Fund set up by Schneider’s grandfather that is, through the imminent demise of a remaining aunt, about to come to fruition. Unfortunately a brother, vital to the realising of the fund, has been missing for years and has to be found. Thatcher agrees to investigate.
There’s quite a bit of banking business to get your head around but it’s really pretty straightforward and beautifully written, wryly amusing and totally evocative of an age of elegance that we have sadly lost - think Mad Men. Mechanical typewriters, glamorous secretaries, meetings in smoky restaurants, office Christmas parties staring at 4pm on Christmas Eve and having to be back at your desk on the 26th - or else.
Kenneth Nicolls, the young banker does a lot of the donkey work for Thatcher. Mind you, it had its lighter moments.
The redhead sat quietly in the corner. Kenneth glanced at her. Very good legs. She raised an interrogative eyebrow as she intercepted his appraisal, and he returned to his watch.
And a murder that is competently investigated and solved through a flash of realisation. Perfect.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma Lathen's "Banking on Death" is a captivating financial thriller that expertly weaves together intrigue, suspense, and the world of high-stakes finance. From start to finish, this novel had me hooked with its intricate plot and well-developed characters.

The story revolves around John Putnam Thatcher, a Wall Street banker turned detective, who finds himself investigating a murder within the prestigious Sloan Guaranty Trust. As the layers of the mystery unfold, Lathen skillfully immerses the reader in the fast-paced world of banking and financial maneuvering, delivering an intricate tale of greed, power, and deception.

One of the standout aspects of "Banking on Death" is Lathen's ability to blend her extensive knowledge of finance with a compelling narrative. She effortlessly explains complex financial concepts in a way that is accessible to readers without compromising the pace or suspense of the story. This balance between education and entertainment is a testament to the author's skill and adds an extra layer of authenticity to the plot.

The characters in this novel are well-drawn and memorable. John Putnam Thatcher, the astute investigator with a sharp mind, makes for a compelling protagonist. His insights and deductions keep the reader engaged and invested in solving the mystery alongside him. The supporting cast, including his colleagues and suspects, are equally well-crafted and add depth to the overall narrative.

Lathen's writing style is polished and precise, with a strong attention to detail. Her prose flows smoothly, effortlessly carrying the reader through the twists and turns of the story. The pacing is well-maintained, building tension and anticipation with each chapter. The plot twists are unexpected and kept me guessing until the very end, which is a testament to the author's ability to create and maintain suspense.

The only reason I'm not giving "Banking on Death" a full five-star rating is because at times the financial jargon can be slightly overwhelming for readers unfamiliar with the intricacies of the banking world. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story, and it serves as a reminder of the level of detail and authenticity the author brings to her work.

In conclusion, Emma Lathen's "Banking on Death" is a gripping financial thriller that combines a riveting plot, well-crafted characters, and a deep understanding of the financial world. If you're a fan of mysteries, thrillers, or simply enjoy a well-executed story, this book is definitely worth your time. Prepare to be engrossed, educated, and entertained in equal measure.

[Ashley Lambert-Maberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it, and was somewhat surprised, because I recall attempting it earlier (like, 40 years earlier) and perhaps I was too young to be interested in trust accounts. But not now! I remember my disappontment at the Ava Lee series (too much violence, not enough forensic accounting), so I was pleased that the rules of the trust were laid out clearly.

The book follows a familiar format of older amateur sleuth, younger protégé, and helpful police officer, but handles it well. I was always engaged, never wanted to toss away the book in anger (thank goodness, it's on my Kindle), and it was well-paced and plotted. (Louise Penny, take note: you could use a trim).

The knowledge that Emma Lathen is actually two people writing as one is also a warning sign (I don't get how it's possible--I'm a writer myself, and I can imagine people making suggestions, or contributing a joke, but not co-writing), but it read like a single voice, bravo. Or brava. Bravi? There's two of them.

(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). I feel a lot of readers automatically render any book they enjoy 5, but I grade on a curve!

[Eyejaybee · Rating 3 out of 5]

My mother, an avid reader of crime fiction, was a huge fan of Emma Lathen’s books, and I remember she had a collection of the Penguin editions, all with start black and white covers. The principal protagonist of the series was the doughty John Puttnam Thatcher, Vice President of the Sloan Guaranty Bank, and the context for the various murders that occurred was generally that of financial crime.

Given my mother’s penchant for them, and my own past as a tax inspector (and one in particular who for several years dealt with ‘inter vivos’ settlements), I am surprised that I didn’t turn to them earlier. This is the first in the series, and represented a pretty capable debut. Now more than sixty years since it was first published, the story has borne up to the test of time fairly well.

The plot is sufficiently watertight and robust to have weathered the passage of time. One aspect that has dated significantly is the way the female characters are described – I found myself labouring under a torrent of male chauvinism, all the more notable for the fact that the writer was female. Indeed, let me correct myself – the writers were plural: ‘Emma Lathen’ was a pseudonym adopted by two women (one a successful lawyer, the other a financier), constructed to represent their own respective names.

Still, despite that one cavil, I found this sufficiently entertaining to want to proceed with the series.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating novel, written under the pseudonym “Emma Lathen”, by two American businesswomen, economic analyst Mary Jane Latsis and attorney Martha Henissart. This is the first in a mystery series set amid the world of finance and banking, and features John Thatcher, a Vice President at the Sloan Guaranty Trust bank.

It was written in 1961 and it was fascinating to read what the world, specifically banking in NYC, was like. For example, the secretaries to the men are all women. When John Thatcher needs to investigate the death of a beneficiary, in Buffalo, NY, to a trust with his bank, he has to send someone to the New York Public Library to obtain all the past newspapers from Buffalo and has to read what we articles he can find.

This was an intriguing mystery and the emphasis on trusts and finance was not so overwhelming. Latsis and Henissart went on to write 26 more novels in this series. And I look forward to reading every one of them! :-)

[Alton Motobu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a cozy Christmas mystery, this is supposed to be a clever whodunit with a Christmas theme, but it falls flat. It is basically a missing persons case when one of the heirs to a trust cannot be found, and John Putnam Thatcher, investment banker, must follow up. He assigns the leg work to his lowly assistant, who finds that the missing heir has been recently murdered. All of the other heirs are now suspects, and Thatcher tracks them down, interviews them, and gets the killer to confess. Straight forward mystery with no plot twists or clever ending. The biggest drawback was the large cast of characters in a relatively short book (173 pages); there were over 40 named characters, many of whom had no bearing on the story, but it was a headache keeping track of everyone.

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who can imagine mystery entangled with stocks, bonds, and investment portfolios would be exciting. Emma Lathen combines the intricacies of trusts and investments with murder. The motives are many, the characters are rich and whinny. The investment bankers and the police don't let personalities get in their way.

The mystery, as expected, is a little convoluted, the scenes are great.

Published in 1961, readers will be reminded that the internet, cell-phones, even faxes didn't exist yet. You'll be treated to the clack of typewriters, long-distance operators, and many phone calls and in-person meetings. Ah, the good old days!

I'm so glad a friend turned me onto this series. One to the next one!

[Kathy KS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first volume of the John Putnma Thatcher Mysteries. Much of the storyline circles around finance, business, trusts, and probate. So if that all sounds too boring, then skip it. But you will miss some interesting characters and precision that reminds me of some of Agatha Christie's stories.

Thatcher's company is administering a trust where the grandfather left money for his grandkids that would be payable AFTER his final child dies. That child is nearing death and the family is actually counting the days until they receive their funds. Unfortunately, one of the cousins has been missing for about twenty years.

I'll be reading the next in this series.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This did not get 5 stars because there were 3 more suitable candidates for whodunit and I am not consoled by Thatcher saying it wasn't premeditated and with a good lawyer he would get a lesser charge. In the meantime there is an entirely suitable solution to the business problems that are raised, but not really resolved. So I didn't like that the wrong guy did it.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written 60 years ago, this book is a time pice but it is also entertaining, well-written and easy to read. I love Thatcher, Miss Corsa, and there rest of the Sloan crew. I was having trouble sleeping after reading some very mild current mysteries. This was a favorite series then and it still is.

[AV · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma Lathen is one of my favorite authors, and when I just realized that I had not read the first, John Thatcher book, I got it. It’s not bad, but definitely feels amateurish compared to all the other books in the series. And the characters are either different, or not yet as flushed out. But a good start to a great series.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first in the series, and lacking in some of the humour of later books. The plot gets a bit bogged down in finances on occasion so my attention wandered. I did have a fleeting glimpse of the identity of the murderer by picking up a vital clue.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable and wry, with characters that are fun to spend time with.

[Jean Bonilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently the first of the many Emma Lathan books. Excellent, of course!

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a super read! I really liked the Thatcher character and Lathen tells the story that needs to be told without a lot of other dribble. I'll definitely be continuing the series!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the John Putnam Thatcher mysteries and had never read the first book. It was great to meet him and the team at the Sloan in their debut.

[Vicki Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting (re)reading the first book in the series after having read a very late one followed by the second in the series. In both 1 and 2, the focus is on John Thatcher himself, assisted by one of his subordinates in the bank, Ken Nicolls. As usual, we learn a good bit about the primary suspects in the murder, but I wasn't able to pick out the culprit this time. It's always interesting to see how many different motives there are in these business-based mysteries. And there's plenty of wry humor, as well.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This rating review will be for all Lathan's John Thatcher books except for those not given three stars.

I adore Lathan's wit and satire, right along with her characters and plots. Reviewers customarily compare their favorite witty authors to Jane Austen; in Lathan's case, I believe the comparison is warranted.

[Harley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, Mike just reminded me of Emma Lathen. We read so many of those. I have to find one to thumb through and refresh my memory of her character, John Thatcher, a Wall Street banker. Back in the 60s and 70s. These were really good mysteries and I'm going to try to identify the others that I read.

[Lisa Kucharski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic mystery, and having read a later book first, I am amazed at how rich and full the characters are right at the start. Some laugh out loud passages as well, at least for me. A wonderful look at the world of banking and how money certainly brings out the drama in everything.

[Sue Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I regularly re-read, introducing banker John Putnam Thatcher. A family trust is due to be distributed but one of the beneficiaries has been missing for years. When he turns up dead it is naturally Thatcher's responsibility to ensure that it does not affect the legalities of the distribution.