Decidedly Odd by Edwin Balmer and William MacHarg is a thrilling mystery novel that follows the story of Luther Trant, a psychologist with a unique method of detecting deception. Trant uses a sphygmograph to track the pulse of individuals as they tell their stories, allowing him to uncover hidden truths. When a mysterious advertisement leads to a series of events involving a young woman named Eva Silber, her father's past as a Russian revolutionary, and a suspicious man named Meyan, Trant is called upon to unravel the truth. Eva Silber's connection to her father's revolutionary past and the betrayal he faced at the hands of Valerian Urth, who is later revealed to be Meyan, adds a layer of complexity to the story. Trant's use of psychological methods and his ability to decode the hidden messages in the advertisement lead to the ultimate revelation of Meyan's true identity and his sinister intentions. The tension builds as Trant conducts a test to expose Meyan's lies, using the sphygmograph to reveal his true emotions and connections to the past. The resolution of the mystery, with Munikov taking justice into his own hands, highlights the consequences of betrayal and the power of truth. Overall, Decidedly Odd is a captivating tale of deception, betrayal, and redemption, with Luther Trant's unique investigative methods at the center of the story. As the characters navigate the complexities of their pasts and confront the truth, the novel delves into themes of justice, loyalty, and the enduring impact of past actions.