Duncan Maclain Mystery

A puzzling murder has a blind detective investigating the New York City subway in this Golden Age mystery series opener. Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex-intelligence officer Capt. Duncan MacLain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in the Big Apple. Kind and sympathetic, he's eager to help anyone who visits his office. Evelyn Zarinka's at the end of her rope, and at her fiancé's suggestion, she goes to see his friend MacLain for help. For the past three months, Evelyn has noticed a startling change in her brother Paul, assistant district attorney for New York City's Homicide Division. First, it was the strange phone calls; then he bought a gun and started drinking heavily. And it's only gotten worse. After speaking with Evelyn, MacLain is certain Paul's in trouble. But the detective is too late to help him. Paul's car explodes, killing the assistant DA. The only clues are two caged white mice left in the back of the car-and Paul's dying words: "Sea Beach Subway-the last express!" Now, with his seeing-eye dog, MacLain finds himself in Manhattan's seedy underbelly-and its literal underground-on the hunt for a killer willing to do anything to throw the investigation off the rails...

What seems like an unfortunate fall turns out to be far more disturbing, as a blind detective discovers, in this mystery from the author of The Last Express. Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex—intelligence officer Capt. Duncan Maclain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in New York City... Wealthy businessman Dryden Winslow spent over twenty years self-exiled in Australia, but he's recently returned to the United States. He's staying at Doncaster House, a luxury hotel in Manhattan, where he's rented out six suites for himself and his estranged family. Given Winslow's weakened heart has him on the verge of death, the hotel staff are on high alert, knowing he could drop at any moment. Of course, no one expects him to drop from his balcony... Captain Maclain is playing chess with the hotel manager when a startled housekeeper reports her account of Winslow's accident, claiming she heard whistling before the fall. Stranger yet, when Maclain examines the body, he declares Winslow was hanged. Now, with his seeing eye dog at his side and a hotel full of secrets, Maclain sets out to prove his case. It's a lofty goal and, with a lunatic killer still roaming the hotel, a dangerous one too. Baynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain. Kendrick was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and winner of the organization's Grand Master Award.

A blind private detective and his dogs star in this thrilling World War II mystery with "enough action and surprises to keep the pages turning" (Publishers Weekly, starred review). Meet Captain Duncan Maclain. Blinded during his service in the first World War, Maclain made up for his lack of vision by sharpening his other senses, achieving a mastery of the subtle unseen clues often missed by those who see only with their eyes. Aided by his dogs Schnucke and Driest, the Captain puts the intelligence-gathering techniques he learned in the Army to work, making a name for himself as New York City's most sought-after private detective. Now it's 1940, there's a second World War breaking out, and Maclain is pulled into a case unlike any he's investigated before. The murder of an actor in his Greenwich Village apartment would cause a stir no matter the circumstances but, when the actor happens to possess secret government plans, and when those plans go missing along with the young woman with whom he was last seen, it's sensational enough to interest not only the local police, but the American government as well. Maclain suspects a German spy plot at work and, in a world where treasonous men and patriots are indistinguishable to the naked eye, it will take his special skills to sniff out the solution. Reissued for the first time in over a half-century, Odor of Violets is the most well-known installment in the long-running Duncan Maclain series, which featured one of crime fiction's earliest disabled detectives. The novel, filmed in 1942 as Eyes in the Night, is a classic hybrid of mystery and espionage fiction.

A blind detective rises to the occasion following the suspicious death of a blind financier in this mystery by the author of Odor of Violets. Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex—intelligence officer Capt. Duncan Maclain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in New York City ... The Miners Title and Trust is typically dead quiet, having gone bankrupt. Then, late one evening, the bank's blind president, Blake Hadfield, plummets eight stories to his death in the building's lobby. The only witnesses are the security guard and Blake's estranged wife, who were both on the first floor. Blake's son, Seth, is found drunk and dazed on the eighth floor, making him the prime suspect in what the police believe to be murder. That's when Harold Lawson and Sybella Ford call upon Captain Maclain for help. Maclain doesn't think the banker's death was a suicide or an accident. He believes someone else was in the building. Now, with the help of his two German Shepherds, Maclain must begin investigating the complicated life of the senior Hadfield. But if the sightless sleuth isn't careful, he could meet a similar end ... Baynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain. Kendrick was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and winner of the organization's Grand Master Award.

A blind detective separates fact from fiction to save an innocent writer in this mystery by the author of Blind Man's Bluff. Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex–intelligence officer Capt. Duncan Maclain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in New York City . . . Acclaimed novelist Larmar Jordan and his wife, Lucia, are throwing a cocktail party in their luxury Fifth Avenue apartment. Among the guests are their friend Sybella Ford and her fiancé, Duncan Maclain. Everyone is in high spirits until the arrival of Larmar's mistress, Troy Singleton. Maclain may be unable to see, but even he can tell that certain partygoers are far from pleased by her presence. However, the real drama unfolds when Troy returns the following day-only to wind up dead on the terrace. The police are certain Larmar pulled the trigger. He was the only person home at the time, and the murder weapon came from his extensive gun collection-but he didn't do it. At Lucia's request, Maclain takes the case. Now, the sightless sleuth must quickly unravel this twisted tale of murder, before the judge throws the book at Larmar . . .Baynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain. Kendrick was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and winner of the organization's Grand Master Award.

Murder disrupts a blind PI's honeymoon in this mix of detective novel and psychological thriller from the author of Death Knell. The wife of a wealthy Tennessee mining tycoon, Marcia Fillmore has worked hard to get to where she is in life. She's also a woman with a dark past, one she's put behind her . . . until a man walks into the Black Pigeon in Gatlinburg and takes a seat beside her at the bar. Marcia doesn't take kindly to him threatening her with blackmail, following her home-or seeing her kiss a man who isn't her husband. Everything could fall apart. No, something must be done . . . A former intelligence officer in the army, Capt. Duncan Maclain lost his sight in World War I. Since then, he's honed his other senses and become a successful private detective whose unique skills are sought after frequently. So it's no surprise when he arrives in the Smoky Mountains with his new bride and the sheriff asks him for help investigating a suspicious car wreck. With evidence that points to foul play, the sheriff and Maclain know they've got a killer to catch-but she's not going to go down without a fight . . . "Ingenious." -Kirkus Reviews "The most completely evil and yet interesting woman you've read about in a long time . . . Superlative!" -Chicago Daily News Baynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain. Kendrick was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and winner of the organization's Grand Master Award.

A shooting outside a Manhattan bar leads a blind detective to a health spa with a dark secret in this mystery by the author of Make Mine MacLain. Late one summer night, Tubby Severn is enjoying a drink at the bar of the Broadway Palace Hotel when a bullet sails past his head-only six inches away. Lots of people might want Tubby dead, but he's not sure why the cops have arrested his best friend, Ted Yates, a blind army veteran. It seems the gun involved in the shooting was Ted's service pistol, which was also used in a murder two years ago-and then vanished. Now, with Ted sporting a straitjacket in Bellevue, Tubby turns to Duncan MacLain for help. Maclain agrees to take the case but soon discovers he's dealing with more than one suspicious death and a peculiar place called Hardesty's Health Farm, where they help clients shed pounds. As MacLain begins making connections in this twisted puzzle, he and his partner, Spud Savage, must quickly nab the killer before someone else is dropped like dead weight ...

A blind detective may be walking into a trap-but he's not the one who should be scared-in this mystery by the author of You Die Today! Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex—intelligence officer Capt. Duncan Maclain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in New York City ... A party in celebration of Maclain's seventh wedding anniversary is in full swing at his Manhattan penthouse when a wealthy potential client stops by. The president and treasurer of Markham Oil, Claude Markham offers Maclain a hefty sum to help him collect some papers from a safe in his father's office. The numbers on the combination dial are in braille, and Markham's late mother was the only person who could read them. The sightless sleuth can sense something is off about this mysterious tycoon, but his curiosity won't let him say no. Even though Markham may not be who he says he is, Maclain accepts the job. With his trusty two German Shepherds at his side, Captain Maclain heads to the Markham mansion-and that's when the real fun begins ...Baynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain. Kendrick was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and winner of the organization's Grand Master Award.

A blind detective helps authorities nab a killer no one's ever seen in this explosive mystery by the author of Blind Allies. Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex-intelligence officer Capt. Duncan MacLain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in New York City... Captain MacLain is playing a card game when he receives a phone call from Los Angeles. It's his old army buddy Belden Clark. The head of Clark Precision Tool Company is coming to town the next day for a quick business trip and would like to speak to the blind detective about a tycoon named Hugo Breitmeyer, he'd like him to investigate. The captain is happy to make time for his friend, but Clark's plane fails to reach its destination thanks to a bomb tucked away in its cargo hold. Clark wasn't the only person interested in Breitmeyer. The FBI would like to get their hands on him as well. Although no one knows what the man looks like, the Feds have a series of wiretap recordings that could lead them to the dangerous millionaire if the right person is listening. Enter MacLain and his talented senses. But identifying a criminal who lives in the shadows can be hazardous to a PI's health...

A blind PI's latest case involves two impostors, one uranium mine, and murder in this mystery by the author of Reservations for Death. Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex—intelligence officer Capt. Duncan Maclain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in New York City ... The man following Captain Maclain home from the Marshall Chess Club is only the beginning of the detective's troubles. Later that day, Maclain has an appointment with Pat Ashley and Henry Wilkins, the two operators of New York state's only uranium mine, but the wintery weather causes a car crash that sends Ashley to an early grave and Wilkins to the emergency room. Hoping to speak with Wilkins the moment he comes to, Maclain rushes to his bedside, but a clever assassin prevents Wilkins from ever uttering another word. The next morning, the FBI takes Maclain across town for a rude awakening: the two dead men were not Ashley and Wilkins-and Maclain needs to stay away from this case. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done, considering who's waiting for him back home ... Baynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain. Kendrick was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and winner of the organization's Grand Master Award

A blind detective deals with murder, drugs, and buried treasure in sunny Florida in this mystery by the author of Clear and Present Danger. Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex—intelligence officer Capt. Duncan Maclain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in New York City ... Maclain used to visit his godson, Ronald Dayland Sr., and his family in Tampa every winter-until Ronald's murder. The local police never had any luck finding the culprit. But seven years later, Maclain is finally able to tackle the case himself. Unfortunately, another Dayland needs Maclain's help as well. Ronald Jr. is nineteen and should feel as though he has his entire life ahead of him, but he has a secret. While on a fishing excursion with Maclain, Ronnie wants to confess everything, but then he makes a surprising discovery in the water-one that could mean a lot of money in his future. But a spear gun prevents Ronnie from ever seeing that future. Now, with the help of his partner, Spud, and his two German Shepherds, Captain Maclain must uncover clues for two murders-and he better hurry. Maclain may be blind, but even he can tell when he's being watched ... Baynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain. Kendrick was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and winner of the organization's Grand Master Award.

When a party is spoiled by murder, a blind detective must sniff out a killer, in this mystery by the author of The Aluminum Turtle. Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex—intelligence officer Capt. Duncan Maclain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in New York City... There's a swinging cocktail party at the Upper West Side apartment of brothers Herb and Andy Bolin. The two accountants have invited plenty of guests, including their dear friend Captain Maclain. But not everyone is in good spirits when the detective arrives. Herb is in a financial jam and has been using alcohol and sleeping pills to cope. He picks a fight and is carried to his bedroom to sleep it off-only to never wake again... Herb's doctor declares it was the pills and booze that did him in. But Maclain's powerful nose knows better: he smells cyanide. Certain of foul play, Maclain must attempt to solve the case. The trouble is Herb has a long list of enemies, and picking up the killer's scent won't be easy...Baynard Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War I. While in London, he met a blind English soldier whose observational skills inspired the character of Capt. Duncan Maclain.

Three mystery novelettes featuring a blind detective and his two trusty German Shepherds by the author of Out of Control. Following the loss of his sight in World War I, ex-intelligence officer Capt. Duncan Maclain honed his other senses and became one of the most successful and well-known private investigators in New York City. These are some of his adventures ... In "The Silent Whistle," the captain heads west to California with his seeing eye dog Schnucke to advise on a television series about a blind man, but things go south when he discovers the studio head's secretary with a knife in his back ... In "Melody in Death," the captain is visiting a friend at the Knickerbocker Opera Company with Schnucke when he finds the body of a wealthy benefactor backstage... In "The Murderer Who Wanted More," a young artist is on edge after she's attacked in her Manhattan apartment building and almost shot near her aunt's Staten Island mansion. Fortunately, she has one friend whose unique powers of detection come in handy in times like these: Captain Maclain!