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Perry Mason #75
The Case of the Troubled Trustee
An erstwhile young man has his hands full as trustee of a wild young woman's inheritance. But his love and her money don't mix. Perry Mason may be able to prove his client is no embezzler--but what happens when murder rears its head? William Morrow and Co.
184 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1965
94 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Erle Stanley Gardner
1,430 books833 followersErle Stanley Gardner was an American lawyer and author of detective stories who also published under the pseudonyms A.A. Fair, Kyle Corning, Charles M. Green, Carleton Kendrake, Charles J. Kenny, Les Tillray, and Robert Parr.
Innovative and restless in his nature, he was bored by the routine of legal practice, the only part of which he enjoyed was trial work and the development of trial strategy. In his spare time, he began to write for pulp magazines, which also fostered the early careers of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. He created many different series characters for the pulps, including the ingenious Lester Leith, a "gentleman thief" in the tradition of Raffles, and Ken Corning, a crusading lawyer who was the archetype of his most successful creation, the fictional lawyer and crime-solver Perry Mason, about whom he wrote more than eighty novels. With the success of Perry Mason, he gradually reduced his contributions to the pulp magazines, eventually withdrawing from the medium entirely, except for non-fiction articles on travel, Western history, and forensic science.
See more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erle_Sta...
Innovative and restless in his nature, he was bored by the routine of legal practice, the only part of which he enjoyed was trial work and the development of trial strategy. In his spare time, he began to write for pulp magazines, which also fostered the early careers of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. He created many different series characters for the pulps, including the ingenious Lester Leith, a "gentleman thief" in the tradition of Raffles, and Ken Corning, a crusading lawyer who was the archetype of his most successful creation, the fictional lawyer and crime-solver Perry Mason, about whom he wrote more than eighty novels. With the success of Perry Mason, he gradually reduced his contributions to the pulp magazines, eventually withdrawing from the medium entirely, except for non-fiction articles on travel, Western history, and forensic science.
See more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erle_Sta...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 13, 2021
When the young trustee of an estate comes to Perry Mason with a delicate legal problem, it doesn't take long for Mason to realise that the situation may be more dire than he first realised. Hiring Paul Drake to tail his client, it comes as something of a shock when he crosses the Mexican border, which can be seen as evidence of guilt under California law.
Gardner's knowledge of his principal characters allows this novel to spin out into a thrilling case where everyone must work together to unmask the culprit.
Gardner's knowledge of his principal characters allows this novel to spin out into a thrilling case where everyone must work together to unmask the culprit.
April 15, 2026
In his Perry Mason novels, Gardner would often delve into a myriad of subjects. Here, that subject is close investment advisors who have their own ideas about running things.
Kerry Dutton was assigned to manage Desere Ellis’ trust by her late father. Desere apparently at her young age was not to be trusted with money. She had no idea of its value and frittered it away. Lately, she’s been consorting with money grabbers posing as beatniks who want her fortune allegedly to set up poetry foundations.
Dutton, who being only a few years senior to Desere, is madly in love with her, but since he’s never come forward with his intentions, has never seen him as anything but an older fuddy duddy advisor. Dutton, to protect sweet little Desere, has allowed her to believe that her trust is nearly drained after four years of payouts, but has never provided an accounting. To prevent her from getting her hands on the money, he has taken some portion out of the trust and invested it in his own name, never intending to keep the money.
The problem arises when he sells off a highly speculative oil stock when it nearly reaches penny stock levels despite Desere’s father’s desire to never sell it for sentimental reasons. When the nearly bankrupt oil company suddenly makes oil discoveries, Dutton is caught with his pants down so to say. He quickly buys up a whole lot of it in his own name, but now any accounting will make it look like he’s Dutton the king of embezzlers.
Reluctantly, Mason takes Dutton on as a client, thinking it’s not really a case up his alley and decides distrusting Dutton the embezzler to the point where he has Paul Drake tail Dutton to see what he’s up to. And that appears to be arranging a late night meeting on a golf course, leaving a corpse there, disposing of a gun (a murder weapon) and fleeing to Mexico where Mason (who with Della Street hunts Dutton down) finds his law license is worthless south of the border.
Mason doesn’t like and doesn’t trust his client and knows that his penchant for placing a quarter million dollars in trust money in his own name won’t look good in front of a jury. Indeed, Mason appears ready to throw in the towel at times, desperately needing one more piece of evidence to convince the jury.
Kerry Dutton was assigned to manage Desere Ellis’ trust by her late father. Desere apparently at her young age was not to be trusted with money. She had no idea of its value and frittered it away. Lately, she’s been consorting with money grabbers posing as beatniks who want her fortune allegedly to set up poetry foundations.
Dutton, who being only a few years senior to Desere, is madly in love with her, but since he’s never come forward with his intentions, has never seen him as anything but an older fuddy duddy advisor. Dutton, to protect sweet little Desere, has allowed her to believe that her trust is nearly drained after four years of payouts, but has never provided an accounting. To prevent her from getting her hands on the money, he has taken some portion out of the trust and invested it in his own name, never intending to keep the money.
The problem arises when he sells off a highly speculative oil stock when it nearly reaches penny stock levels despite Desere’s father’s desire to never sell it for sentimental reasons. When the nearly bankrupt oil company suddenly makes oil discoveries, Dutton is caught with his pants down so to say. He quickly buys up a whole lot of it in his own name, but now any accounting will make it look like he’s Dutton the king of embezzlers.
Reluctantly, Mason takes Dutton on as a client, thinking it’s not really a case up his alley and decides distrusting Dutton the embezzler to the point where he has Paul Drake tail Dutton to see what he’s up to. And that appears to be arranging a late night meeting on a golf course, leaving a corpse there, disposing of a gun (a murder weapon) and fleeing to Mexico where Mason (who with Della Street hunts Dutton down) finds his law license is worthless south of the border.
Mason doesn’t like and doesn’t trust his client and knows that his penchant for placing a quarter million dollars in trust money in his own name won’t look good in front of a jury. Indeed, Mason appears ready to throw in the towel at times, desperately needing one more piece of evidence to convince the jury.
March 30, 2021
Why o why?? Why Mason has to manipulate?
Though I know the answer. He says for him client's interest is first and foremost.
However, some of his tricks seem unnecessary.
"Now, I'm willing to bet that you made a stop at a culvert, got out of your car and tossed the murder weapon and perhaps some other incriminating evidence into the culvert."
"And the police have that?" Dutton asked in dismay. "The police have that." "Then there's nothing left for youto do," Dutton said, "except have me plead guilty and put myself on the mercy of the court." "Did you kill him?" Mason asked. "No, I didn't kill him," Dutton said, "but I did find a gun by the body. I picked it up and when I got to my car, I examined it by flashlight and found it was my gun." "You had a flashlight in the car?" "Well, it was the dash light," Dutton said. Mason said, "You're indulging in the most expensive luxury a man can indulge in." "What's that? Being tried for murder?" "No, lying to your lawyer."
"I'm not lying." Mason said, "Don't be silly. A detective was watching you when you came out of the club. You jumped in your car and drove away at high speed. You went a mile and three-tenths, passed over a culvert, slammed on your brakes so you left tire marks on the surface of the pavement, put your car in reverse; went back, got out and tossed something under the culvert. You didn't turn on the dash light; you didn't use any flashlight."
"A detective was watching me?" "Yes." "Then why wasn't I arrested?" "It was a private detective and no one knew anything about the murder, as yet." "All right," Dutton said. "You have me convicted in your own mind and-" "I don't have you convicted in my mind," Mason said. "I simply suggested that you had better tell your lawyer the truth. How did you know it was your gun?"
Though I know the answer. He says for him client's interest is first and foremost.
However, some of his tricks seem unnecessary.
"Now, I'm willing to bet that you made a stop at a culvert, got out of your car and tossed the murder weapon and perhaps some other incriminating evidence into the culvert."
"And the police have that?" Dutton asked in dismay. "The police have that." "Then there's nothing left for youto do," Dutton said, "except have me plead guilty and put myself on the mercy of the court." "Did you kill him?" Mason asked. "No, I didn't kill him," Dutton said, "but I did find a gun by the body. I picked it up and when I got to my car, I examined it by flashlight and found it was my gun." "You had a flashlight in the car?" "Well, it was the dash light," Dutton said. Mason said, "You're indulging in the most expensive luxury a man can indulge in." "What's that? Being tried for murder?" "No, lying to your lawyer."
"I'm not lying." Mason said, "Don't be silly. A detective was watching you when you came out of the club. You jumped in your car and drove away at high speed. You went a mile and three-tenths, passed over a culvert, slammed on your brakes so you left tire marks on the surface of the pavement, put your car in reverse; went back, got out and tossed something under the culvert. You didn't turn on the dash light; you didn't use any flashlight."
"A detective was watching me?" "Yes." "Then why wasn't I arrested?" "It was a private detective and no one knew anything about the murder, as yet." "All right," Dutton said. "You have me convicted in your own mind and-" "I don't have you convicted in my mind," Mason said. "I simply suggested that you had better tell your lawyer the truth. How did you know it was your gun?"
June 28, 2022
Kind of threw me off my love of Perry Mason. I didn’t get the build up that usually precedes the ending. Nor did I ever perceive the killer to be whom it turned out as. An okay read on a gloomy Tuesday.
August 10, 2018
Erle Stanley Gardner’s “The Troubled Trustee” is a typical Perry Mason formula novel. It opens with an unscheduled potential client showing up at the office and paying Mason a lot of money to represent him in a questionable matter. Mason hesitatingly takes the case, unsure of the sincerity and/or innocence of his new client. Other people, vaguely related to the “client” show up and thicken the plot. Mason struggles with the ethical implications of his new case and client and hires private detective Paul Drake to investigate the client.
Here, the plot evolves from embezzlement to murder. Mason skates the ethical line and becomes deeply involved in the investigation. Suddenly, the trial begins and Mason is being trounced by District Attorney Hamilton Burger. Again, Mason risks his bar card by becoming involved in questionable trial tactics, even potentially making himself a witness. He then plays a wild hunch and saves his client at the 11th hour.
This formula repeats in every Perry Mason novel, yet each one is interesting, suspenseful, fresh, and enjoyable. Gardner accurately portrays the law – in this case dealing with the handling of a spendthrift trust. The courtroom scenes have crisp dialogue, demonstrating examination and cross-examination, objections, and judicial input.
Mason also provides insight into the profession and practice of law. He tells his client, “You’re indulging in the most expensive luxury a man can indulge in.” “What’s that? Being tried for murder?” “No, lying to your lawyer.” At another point, Mason says, “a lawyer is, or should be, an expert in the field of high-pressure salesmanship.”
Another masterful Perry Mason novel, part of Erle Stanley Gardner’s enduring legacy.
Here, the plot evolves from embezzlement to murder. Mason skates the ethical line and becomes deeply involved in the investigation. Suddenly, the trial begins and Mason is being trounced by District Attorney Hamilton Burger. Again, Mason risks his bar card by becoming involved in questionable trial tactics, even potentially making himself a witness. He then plays a wild hunch and saves his client at the 11th hour.
This formula repeats in every Perry Mason novel, yet each one is interesting, suspenseful, fresh, and enjoyable. Gardner accurately portrays the law – in this case dealing with the handling of a spendthrift trust. The courtroom scenes have crisp dialogue, demonstrating examination and cross-examination, objections, and judicial input.
Mason also provides insight into the profession and practice of law. He tells his client, “You’re indulging in the most expensive luxury a man can indulge in.” “What’s that? Being tried for murder?” “No, lying to your lawyer.” At another point, Mason says, “a lawyer is, or should be, an expert in the field of high-pressure salesmanship.”
Another masterful Perry Mason novel, part of Erle Stanley Gardner’s enduring legacy.
January 7, 2024
Kerry Dutton Ellis ailesinin finans danışmanıdır ve baba Ellis öldükten sonra kızı Denise 27 yaşına girene kadar onun mali işlerini yapacaktır. Mason'a gelir ve suç işlediğini ama onu savunmasını söyler. Denise'in parasını şahsi hesabı ile oynayarak 3 katına çıkarmıştır. Kızı sevmektedir ama o da Fred adında bir hayalperest ile nişanlıdır ve onun annesi ile de gezmektedir. Bir madenin hisseleri fırlar. Bu madende eskiden Denise'in büyük hissesi vardır ama Dutton bunu satmıştır. Ve şahsi hesabı ile tavan yapmadan önce geri alıp 190 bin dolar kar elde eder. Rodney Palmer adında biri de Dutton ile görüşür ve şantaj yapar. Golf sahasına gidince Palmer ölü bulunur. Drake ile Dutton'u takip eden Mason onu Meksika'da bulur ama ifadesini alamadan polis onu geri gönderir. İdamla yargılanacak olan Dutton olay yerinden bir silah almıştır. Birini korumaktadır. Mason şahitleri sorgular. Ama sırada kendisi şahit çıkarınca Dutton'un ifadesini Hamilton Burger paramparça eder. Holbrook adında bir adam da cinayet saati olan 10 değil de 9da bir silah sesi duyduğunu söyler. Ama Burger onu da parçalar. Tragg ile konuşan Mason bir tuzak hazırlar. Denise'in evindeki silah nasıl olay yerinde bulunur? Tragg ve Mason Katili yakalayabilecek midir? Palmer başka kimlere şantaj yapmıştır? Fred neden Dutton'dan bu kadar kolay dayak yemiştir? Bu iş nasıl çözülecektir? Keyifle okunan bir roman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2024
At the time of his death in 1970 Erle Stanley Gardner was the bestselling American author of the 20th century.
Around the same time I was beginning to read voraciously - mostly cheap second-hand paperbacks (Gardner, Dennis Wheatley, Edgar Wallace, etc.)
I don't remember being particular impressed by Gardner - I was a teenager at the time – though the Perry Mason series starring Raymond Burr was a staple of Irish television at the time and, given the dearth of available TV programs at the time, was close to a 'must watch'.
So when I stumbled across “The Case of the Troubled Trustee” (No. 75 in the series) I thought it might be a good idea to take a trip down memory lane.
It wasn't.
The novel is almost entirely based on talking with little or no description. The courtroom scenes are repetitive and the solution to the crime appears as if by magic.
It's readable but isn't very good.
Never go back!
3 Stars.
Around the same time I was beginning to read voraciously - mostly cheap second-hand paperbacks (Gardner, Dennis Wheatley, Edgar Wallace, etc.)
I don't remember being particular impressed by Gardner - I was a teenager at the time – though the Perry Mason series starring Raymond Burr was a staple of Irish television at the time and, given the dearth of available TV programs at the time, was close to a 'must watch'.
So when I stumbled across “The Case of the Troubled Trustee” (No. 75 in the series) I thought it might be a good idea to take a trip down memory lane.
It wasn't.
The novel is almost entirely based on talking with little or no description. The courtroom scenes are repetitive and the solution to the crime appears as if by magic.
It's readable but isn't very good.
Never go back!
3 Stars.
December 6, 2017
A little shorter than the average Perry Mason case, Troubled Trustee doesn't have quite as many twists, clues or tricks (the only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars). Otherwise it's as absorbing as always; I finished it in one day.
There is an interesting observation by Mason about District Attorney Hamilton Burger:
There is an interesting observation by Mason about District Attorney Hamilton Burger:
Mason shook his head. "Usually Hamilton Burger doesn't have a chance to strut his stuff. I get the witness on cross-examination and uncover some point which enables me to prove that the prosecution's theory of the case is erroneous. Before he's ready to rest his case, he doesn't have any case left.
"This time I've had to go ahead and put witnesses on the stand. Burger has had a chance to cross-examine them. The roles have been reversed. He's ripped my witnesses to pieces."
July 4, 2021
Perry Mason, just the lawyer you want defending you when you are up against a charge of murder. That’s what Kerry Dutton, accused of a nefarious murder, faced while serving as a trustee of a fund bequeathed to the woman he loves. Author, Erle Stanley Gardner, delivers another thriller, albeit a little dated with wooden, two-dimensional characters with a splash of humor thrown in here and there. Yet one doesn’t read Perry Mason because they’re great literature. One reads them for an entertaining story. So The Case of the Troubled Trustee didn’t disappoint. I’ve been reading Perry Mason mysteries since I was in high school. While the last one I read was several years back, this shows why I have been a steadfast fan of Perry Mason novels for 40+ years now. A perfect summer mystery while on my vacation.
March 22, 2023
Desere Ellis's father, Templeton Ellis, leaves behind a spendthrift trust for his daughter that will be handled by trustee, Kerry Dutton. Desere was associated with many individuals who her father didn't like around the time of his death. Although Kerry has had great success with the investments, he has broken a number of fiduciary obligations in an effort to safeguard the beneficiary’s interests. One of the investments in the original portfolio, The Steer Ridge Oil and Refining Company stock, never performed well. Now however, a conflict developing for the company’s control pushes up the stock price. A man named Rodger Palmer known to Kerry and involved in the proxy battle is killed. The young investment advisor is accused of committing the crime. Perry Mason defends him. This classic Perry Mason book is well-written and brief with strong characterization, courtroom drama and a murder plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. A DECENT MYSTERY FROM THE PAST.
November 17, 2020
Audio Voice doesn't match Della Street's description
The story is so great 5 stars for this. I love Perry Mason books and I love Gardner.
It's in the audio that I was annoyed. In the book Della is not an old lady but someone who should be younger with curves and is attractive as described in the book. But the voice reading her conversations was a very old lady with a froggy sound and it irritates my ears. I always picture the person through his/her voice. In this audio, the voice doesn't fit with the description.
The story is so great 5 stars for this. I love Perry Mason books and I love Gardner.
It's in the audio that I was annoyed. In the book Della is not an old lady but someone who should be younger with curves and is attractive as described in the book. But the voice reading her conversations was a very old lady with a froggy sound and it irritates my ears. I always picture the person through his/her voice. In this audio, the voice doesn't fit with the description.
April 13, 2020
In some ways the typical Perry Mason novel. Crisp, concise, writing, quick but effective characterization, courtroom and defence strategy dazzle and a murder plot that keeps you guessing at what really happened.
On the downside the (pretty rushed) solution is rather obscure and in some regards unlikely. Furthermore it's not really arrived at by deduction but rather a rather far-fetched hunch that unexpectedly pays off.
Would probably make a better TV episode than book. I still liked it for the smart writing but it's definitely one of the weaker "Masons". On the merits probably only two stars. Gave it three as it was exactly the brainless time-filler I needed right now.
On the downside the (pretty rushed) solution is rather obscure and in some regards unlikely. Furthermore it's not really arrived at by deduction but rather a rather far-fetched hunch that unexpectedly pays off.
Would probably make a better TV episode than book. I still liked it for the smart writing but it's definitely one of the weaker "Masons". On the merits probably only two stars. Gave it three as it was exactly the brainless time-filler I needed right now.
June 14, 2024
I like the plot, I like the story, but the conclusion is right from out of left field. Because I have read so many of these books, I know that many of them have the brain power of Mason to thank for the solution that is certainly nowhere near obvious. This is one of those stories. But it’s always good to read one of these books because they’re fun and interesting even if they’re wrapped up in a most unusual logic.
November 24, 2025
The Case of the Troubled Trustee is a Perry Mason mystery where the trustee of a wealthy but naive young woman's inheritance, Kerry Dutton, is accused of embezzling funds. The case takes a dangerous turn when a murder occurs, and the trustee is blamed. Perry Mason must use his legal skills, with help from Paul Drake, to untangle a web of deception, secret motives, and hidden agendas to save his client.
January 3, 2019
(Audiobook Dec 2018) - Did not realize I was grabbing a Perry Mason case from likely the '80's. It was humorous to hear about the "best steak dinner in town" being a reward for a job well done, including their spouse or significant other and also the reliance on pay phones. OK storyline of whodunnit.
November 10, 2022
Reading Earle Stanley Gardener’s Perry Mason series reminds me where my love for the legal thrillers start. I have read so many authors and only a few can match up to to this author.
Enter a man who misrepresents financial information.
Enter into a world of unrequited love
Add into this mix, murder, blackmail.
We have a great book
Enter a man who misrepresents financial information.
Enter into a world of unrequited love
Add into this mix, murder, blackmail.
We have a great book
October 8, 2018
Refreshing read
I am a huge fan of Earl Stanley Gardner. His plots are intriguing and the twists unprecedented. Love the Mason-Drake-Street team. It is a fantastic book to read on a cozy afternoon
I am a huge fan of Earl Stanley Gardner. His plots are intriguing and the twists unprecedented. Love the Mason-Drake-Street team. It is a fantastic book to read on a cozy afternoon
October 21, 2019
It probably should not have been my introduction to Erle Stanley Gardner's novels. I like the Perry Mason TV series but it feels like he's trying too hard to breathe life into an already tired formula. Two words: "beatnik endowment".
November 29, 2021
Mason espero hasta que la puerta se hubo vuelto a cerrar, luego ejecuto una pirueta, enlazo a Della Street por la cintura, dio con ella unos pasos de baile y la solto para ir a estrecharle calurosamente la mano a Paul Drake.
me gusto
me gusto
July 13, 2023
My first Perry Mason read. It was a lucid read. The premise of the book has been referenced in parts in several crime drama films. I liked the witty delivery of an otherwise dark tale of deception and manipulation.
December 3, 2023
I have yet to read a Perry Mason novel that I didn't like, and I only have two left to read. I can well see why Gardner was the top selling mystery writing in his time. He writes an excellent book and the courtroom scenes are superb.
February 18, 2024
The story is good but this is the equivalent of “old man yells at cloud”. ESG is definitely out of touch at this point. The one star is because all these men are making decisions for this weak woman who needs to be handled. I miss the heroines from the early Perry Masons.
May 6, 2024
These books get shorter and shorter. And this one is resolved with something that comes out of the blue and isn’t even related to the setup and clues around the murder. Also it’s not resolved in the courtroom and Hamilton Burger is not publicly embarrassed again.
May 5, 2018
Always a fan!
Perry Mason never disappoints. A good read any day. Its suave its stylish. Great dialogues and engaging courtroom argument.
Must read
Perry Mason never disappoints. A good read any day. Its suave its stylish. Great dialogues and engaging courtroom argument.
Must read
January 25, 2019
Perry Mason was on television for years. The book was a good read with a great ending.
October 19, 2020
#75 in the Perry Mason series. Interesting case of a trust manager who is concealing some illegitimate transactions. The beatnik characters date the book.
January 22, 2021
A promising start leads to an outlandish finish in a rare trial that takes so long to play out, that Mason has to call witnesses whose testimony is quickly diced by Hamilton Burger.
August 16, 2021
Another enjoyable read from Erle Stanley Gardner involving the whole Perry Mason gang.
November 14, 2021
Interesting story, and the first I've read where Mason can't win at trial and it doesn't look good, has to seek outside sources.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews