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Top of the Heap

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Top of the Heap, A.A. Fair

The 'Foreword' is dedicated to Okey L. Patterson, Governor of West Virginia. Warden Orel J. Skeen felt that a condemned prisoner was not guilty and called the "Court of Last Resort". Robert B. Bailey was convicted of murder by an eyewitness even while he was arrested drunk several miles away. The Governor commuted Bailey's sentence and called for a new investigation of this case. Not every governor would give up a few hours of his holiday to review the evidence on a closed case.

John Carver Billings II visits the Cool & Lam agency. He first danced with Morrie, then was dumped by her. He then spent the night with Sylvia and Millie. Morrie has gone missing, and Billings II wants them to find Sylvia and Millie to establish his alibi. Lam sees problems in his story, Cool only sees his money. But who is John Carver Billings II? So Lam starts his investigation to track two unknowns on behalf of another unknown. And he succeeds, so the client is happy. But Lam know this "paper trail" was left for him to find! So Lam goes back to the motor court to re-investigate, and finds a clue that brings him to San Francisco, and he finds out more about that night, and more about the Billings. Then Lam finds information about a hit-and-run accident. Also about the discovery of the body of Morrie (Maurine Auburn), shot twice in the back.

Lam warns Millie about her life-style choice (Chapter 4). It won't work in the long run, she's only "a cog in the economic and social machine". Millie cranes action, variety, and luxury. In Chapter 11 Lam reads about a wealthy mining man who has gone missing, and goes to interview his wife. Lam learns something about George Bishop, the first link to the Billings. He gives advice to Mrs. Bishop. Lam surmises the connection between Billings II and the need for an alibi. Billings I tells Lam of the mysterious mining operations of George Bishop (Chapter 12). And so we find out about the puzzle of the body in the yacht - it isn't there! Lam tells about a test for bloodstains. Would there be bloodstains if the carpet was brand new? Then Lam gets information from the accountant (Chapter 14). More facts are discovered by Lam in talking to Mrs. Bishop.

The police search of the crime scene found the murder weapon and the fingerprints of Billings (Chapter 16). Lam describes "The Green Door" and its adjoining shops. Lam investigates to uncover more facts, only to be trapped and threatened for a while. A phone call to "George Granby" serves as a deus ex machina to end his predicament. And so this puzzle is solved in the police station (Chapter 19). The Billings are freed. Lam's return to the home office is played out for its comedic value. Note the modern touches here (college basketball). The bonanza in the gold mine stock sounds like insider trading. [Gardner did a better job than Hammett or Chandler in describing civic corruption.]