Headed for a Hearse

Detective Bill Crane returns in this 1935 murder mystery when he's called to Chicago to investigate a locked-room murder case. Stockbroker Robert Westland sits on death row for allegedly killing his estranged wife, with just six days remaining until his execution. Criminal lawyer Charles Finklestein brings in Crane and his partner 'Doc' Williams from New York to tackle this seemingly impossible case. The investigation moves through Chicago's high society during the Great Depression, revealing a complex web of relationships and potential suspects. The novel combines elements of hardboiled detective fiction with classical mystery traditions, setting itself apart from contemporaries in the genre. It balances its serious murder plot with humorous elements, particularly in its portrayal of the unconventional detective team and their unique investigative methods. The story explores themes of justice, class disparity, and the nature of truth, while offering commentary on American society during the Depression era through its contrast of wealth and desperation.

Readers call this a fast-paced noir mystery with humor and unpredictable twists. Many highlight its blend of hard-boiled detective work and comedic moments. Readers appreciate: - The witty dialogue and dark humor - Complex plot that keeps guessing until the end - Bill Crane's drinking and irreverent personality - 1930s Chicago atmosphere Common criticisms: - Too many characters to track - Some find the drinking scenes repetitive - Plot gets convoluted at points Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (84 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) "A rollicking good time with an alcoholic detective" - Goodreads reviewer "The puzzle is clever but the real fun is Crane's boozy investigation" - Amazon review "Great mix of humor and mystery, though the plot threads get tangled" - Vintage Mystery reader blog

The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler A private detective works to unravel blackmail and murder while navigating the criminal underworld of 1930s Los Angeles.

Death in the Dark by George Antheil A locked-room mystery follows a detective through the streets of New York City to catch a killer who commits murders in complete darkness.

The Roman Hat Mystery by Ellery Queen A murder at a Broadway theater leads to a complex investigation where each clue points to multiple suspects in 1930s Manhattan.

The Glass Key by Dashiell Hammett A political fixer investigates the murder of a senator's son while dealing with corruption and organized crime in a Depression-era city.

The Beast Must Die by Nicholas Blake A crime novelist plots the murder of his son's killer and documents the process in his diary, leading to unexpected twists.

🔍 The book was published in 1935 as part of the Bill Crane series, which featured one of crime fiction's first alcoholic detectives. 🏢 Before becoming a novelist, Latimer worked as a crime reporter for the Chicago Herald-Examiner, bringing authentic criminal justice details to his fiction. ⚖️ The novel's execution countdown plot device influenced later legal thrillers and was considered innovative for its time in building suspense. 🎬 Latimer later became a successful Hollywood screenwriter, adapting works by Dashiell Hammett and Kenneth Fearing, including "The Big Clock" (1948). 🕰️ The "locked-room mystery" aspect of the novel follows a tradition started by Edgar Allan Poe's "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1841), considered the first detective story.