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Mr. & Mrs. North #25
Murder Has Its Points: A Mr. and Mrs. North Mystery
Pam and Jerry North investigate the death of a popular novelist who left behind many enemies with reasons to wish him dead
299 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1961
38 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Frances Lockridge
95 books48 followersFrances Louise (Davis) Lockridge wrote popular mysteries and children's books with husband Richard Lockridge. They also published under the shared pseudonym Francis Richards.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 2, 2013
I thought I'd start things off nice and light and cozy with a trip to New York City in the late 50s/early 60s and drop in on Pam and Jerry North and see what they're up to. In Murder Has Its Points by Richard and Frances Lockridge, the Norths are embroiled in another murder investigation when one of Jerry's star authors is killed by an apparent sniper shot after a publicity party. Only...maybe it wasn't a sniper after all. Sure, the city has had a rash of such shootings over the past few weeks, but it does seem odd that Anthony Payne just happened to have a whole lineup of people who would have loved for him to drop dead. In fact, a few of them mentioned what a fine idea that would be while supposedly celebrating his success at the party. And then, of course, he did...drop dead, that is.
It's not long after that Pam has visits from from various "well-wishing" party-goers who seem to be brimming with information that she might pass on to her "nice policeman." Pam's quicksilver brain begins working furiously while her nice policeman, Captain Bill Weigand, goes round to see if there is any reason to believe that this wasn't just another sniper shooting. And not too long after that Pam is off "sticking her neck out" as Jerry and Bill call it, trying to help one of her "lame dogs"--a suspect in trouble who she believes to be innocent. It all winds up with Pam and a group of suspects in a lonely house in the country. Someone gets shot, someone gets framed and Bill, Jerry, and the troops arrive just in time for the grand finale.
As always, the Lockridges provide a nice, breezy little mystery. Sure, it may be a bit much to believe that one couple (and particularly the female half of the couple) could wind up involved in so many murders (Jessica Fletcher, anyone?), but a little suspension of disbelief never hurt anyone. Especially when it's so much fun. I love slipping into an earlier time when there are taxis waiting on every corner, special restaurants serving the perfect martinis, and small publishing firms like North Books. I also enjoy the way the Lockridges work the Siamese cats into their stories. They write about the cats with just enough humor to make it fun, without making it too cute.
This review was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks!
It's not long after that Pam has visits from from various "well-wishing" party-goers who seem to be brimming with information that she might pass on to her "nice policeman." Pam's quicksilver brain begins working furiously while her nice policeman, Captain Bill Weigand, goes round to see if there is any reason to believe that this wasn't just another sniper shooting. And not too long after that Pam is off "sticking her neck out" as Jerry and Bill call it, trying to help one of her "lame dogs"--a suspect in trouble who she believes to be innocent. It all winds up with Pam and a group of suspects in a lonely house in the country. Someone gets shot, someone gets framed and Bill, Jerry, and the troops arrive just in time for the grand finale.
As always, the Lockridges provide a nice, breezy little mystery. Sure, it may be a bit much to believe that one couple (and particularly the female half of the couple) could wind up involved in so many murders (Jessica Fletcher, anyone?), but a little suspension of disbelief never hurt anyone. Especially when it's so much fun. I love slipping into an earlier time when there are taxis waiting on every corner, special restaurants serving the perfect martinis, and small publishing firms like North Books. I also enjoy the way the Lockridges work the Siamese cats into their stories. They write about the cats with just enough humor to make it fun, without making it too cute.
This review was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks!
November 10, 2017
This is book #25 in a series by the very prolific Frances Lockridge--I have by no stretch of the imagination read 24 others, but I am probably approaching a dozen and this is among my favorites.
Usually, I read this series for escape to Manhattan in the late 40's or 50's---the featured couple spend a significant amount in New York restaurants and lounges. And, Mrs. North usually ends up associating with characters who have either great wardrobes or stunning apartments that I enjoy reading about. It is definitely a sequence of books where the whole (series) is much greater than the sum of its parts. Individual books are fine, fun, escapist reading---but the group evolves in to a kind of well-drawn social history of mid-Century Manhattan from the perspective of a clever woman with plenty of time on her hands.
This book was more than that--it was a great story on its own, filled with complex characters from the literary and theatrical world. It is my favorite in the series to date.
Usually, I read this series for escape to Manhattan in the late 40's or 50's---the featured couple spend a significant amount in New York restaurants and lounges. And, Mrs. North usually ends up associating with characters who have either great wardrobes or stunning apartments that I enjoy reading about. It is definitely a sequence of books where the whole (series) is much greater than the sum of its parts. Individual books are fine, fun, escapist reading---but the group evolves in to a kind of well-drawn social history of mid-Century Manhattan from the perspective of a clever woman with plenty of time on her hands.
This book was more than that--it was a great story on its own, filled with complex characters from the literary and theatrical world. It is my favorite in the series to date.
October 6, 2016
As with all the Mr. and Mrs. North books, this one is a reminder of how things used to be back in the 1940s. it was a time of less gory murder and more like simple solving of murders. The characters are very unique to their time.
June 2, 2013
I thought I'd start things off nice and light and cozy with a trip to New York City in the late 50s/early 60s and drop in on Pam and Jerry North and see what they're up to. In Murder Has Its Points by Richard and Frances Lockridge, the Norths are embroiled in another murder investigation when one of Jerry's star authors is killed by an apparent sniper shot after a publicity party. Only...maybe it wasn't a sniper after all. Sure, the city has had a rash of such shootings over the past few weeks, but it does seem odd that Anthony Payne just happened to have a whole lineup of people who would have loved for him to drop dead. In fact, a few of them mentioned what a fine idea that would be while supposedly celebrating his success at the party. And then, of course, he did...drop dead, that is.
It's not long after that Pam has visits from from various "well-wishing" party-goers who seem to be brimming with information that she might pass on to her "nice policeman." Pam's quicksilver brain begins working furiously while her nice policeman, Captain Bill Weigand, goes round to see if there is any reason to believe that this wasn't just another sniper shooting. And not too long after that Pam is off "sticking her neck out" as Jerry and Bill call it, trying to help one of her "lame dogs"--a suspect in trouble who she believes to be innocent. It all winds up with Pam and a group of suspects in a lonely house in the country. Someone gets shot, someone gets framed and Bill, Jerry, and the troops arrive just in time for the grand finale.
As always, the Lockridges provide a nice, breezy little mystery. Sure, it may be a bit much to believe that one couple (and particularly the female half of the couple) could wind up involved in so many murders (Jessica Fletcher, anyone?), but a little suspension of disbelief never hurt anyone. Especially when it's so much fun. I love slipping into an earlier time when there are taxis waiting on every corner, special restaurants serving the perfect martinis, and small publishing firms like North Books. I also enjoy the way the Lockridges work the Siamese cats into their stories. They write about the cats with just enough humor to make it fun, without making it too cute.
This review (read in paperback) was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks!
It's not long after that Pam has visits from from various "well-wishing" party-goers who seem to be brimming with information that she might pass on to her "nice policeman." Pam's quicksilver brain begins working furiously while her nice policeman, Captain Bill Weigand, goes round to see if there is any reason to believe that this wasn't just another sniper shooting. And not too long after that Pam is off "sticking her neck out" as Jerry and Bill call it, trying to help one of her "lame dogs"--a suspect in trouble who she believes to be innocent. It all winds up with Pam and a group of suspects in a lonely house in the country. Someone gets shot, someone gets framed and Bill, Jerry, and the troops arrive just in time for the grand finale.
As always, the Lockridges provide a nice, breezy little mystery. Sure, it may be a bit much to believe that one couple (and particularly the female half of the couple) could wind up involved in so many murders (Jessica Fletcher, anyone?), but a little suspension of disbelief never hurt anyone. Especially when it's so much fun. I love slipping into an earlier time when there are taxis waiting on every corner, special restaurants serving the perfect martinis, and small publishing firms like North Books. I also enjoy the way the Lockridges work the Siamese cats into their stories. They write about the cats with just enough humor to make it fun, without making it too cute.
This review (read in paperback) was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks!
June 22, 2011
Manhattan, minks, martinis, siamese and murder. If this is your first time reading a Pam and Jerry North mystery, don't be confused. Even though Jerry owns his own publishing house, Pam is the brains of the bunch. Sure things get screwy when they're both involved, but the police, especially Bill Wiegand, know that Pam's indirect method of solving problems is crucial to figuring out the mystery. I appreciate how Lockridge presents a fabulous NYC, but also people with realistic drives and desires. Is there sex? No. Is it alluded to? Of course. Even though these books were written in the middle of the 20th Century, it's never pretended that extramarital affairs don't happen, or that older men are not above seducing vulnerable women. In this particular novel there's also an instance of blasting racial stereotypes. I wouldn't suggest beginning the series with this book, but to mix a metaphor, definitely do dip your toe into the minds of the North's, you won't be disappointed. And besides, they make everything much more palatable with a martini.
April 23, 2009
Boy, I love Pam and Jerry. I am just a sucker for smart, loving couples who 'sleuth' - especially when they live in NYC apartments in the 1950's and 60's, drink martinis, smoke cigarettes and have cats!
June 20, 2016
Clearer plot and set of clues than some of the later books. The final scenes have only a few characters who could have committed the crimes and the reader must discern who is telling the truth.
January 6, 2020
Bad martinis and a popular murder
Normally Pam North politely downplays her habit of becoming involved in murder investigations, something which she claims could happen to any New York City housewife. But this time her response is surprisingly acerbic. “Murder,” she says grimly, “has its points.”
She’s struggling to maintain her cheery hostess face at a loud party thrown by North Publishing, Inc. to celebrate the success of Anthony Payne’s latest best-seller, which is in the process of being made into a Broadway play. The martini’s are terrible, her feet hurt, and she’s been cornered by several bores. And it’s not like anyone is really happy for the guest of honor, whose enemies claim that his name should be spelled “pain.” Pam calls him a “twerp” and that’s complimentary compared to others’ opinions of him.
Still, his books sell and selling books is Gerald North’s business. And so the Norths assume cheerful faces and leave the Dumont Hotel with their valuable author in search of dinner. But as soon as they step outside the hotel, someone puts a bullet in Mr. Payne’s bald head. Captain Bill Weigand of the NYPD is assigned to investigate and there’s no shortage of suspects. Where to start?
Payne has had three wives - two ex and one current. The first Mrs. Payne is a successful actress and seems to have pushed her brief, unpleasant marriage out of her mind. The second is MIA - a victim of Payne’s cruelty. During her pregnancy, Payne decided to rid himself of her and did so by accusing her of adultery and denying fathering her son. Now she would be a middle-aged woman and her son a young man. A bitter young man?
And (naturally) Payne is cheating on his third wife, who excused herself from the party and retreated to their suite upstairs in the Hotel Dumont. Presumably, she’s got a beef with her husband and so does the handsome actor who’s obviously in love with her. Not to mention the boyfriend of the young girl Payne is having an affair with.
Then there are professional feuds. Payne is heavy-handed in his interference with the casting and production of his play and the director has expressed a sincere desire for the author to drop dead. And his latest book concerns Africa, enraging prominent writer Gardner Willings, the undisputed authority on Africa for years. Is the Dark Continent not big enough for both of them? Willings doesn’t think so, stages a scene at the party, and (embarrassingly) is decked by his rival. Quite a humiliation for the macho Willings, who’s a noted hunter and quite capable of firing a lethal shot from a hotel window or roof.
The 1960's have begun and so has the Age of Gun Violence. There’s been a rash of sniper shootings in New York City. It’s tempting to believe that Payne was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, but Bill Weigand has to consider all the other possibilities.
As always with the Mr and Mrs North books, it’s a witty and perceptive look at New York and New Yorkers in a by-gone era. And we get to catch up on old friends. Lt. Stein has been promoted - the kind of smooth, well-educated cop who moves up the ladder now. Sgt. Mullins is still a sergeant and will retire at that rank. He’s good at what he does, but lacks the polish needed for promotion. Deputy Chief Inspector Artie O’Malley fumes about that damned North dame being involved AGAIN, but knows enough to let Weigand do things his way. And a precinct detective announces furiously that NO ONE should have guns except the police. The NRA is still an organization for hunters.
Gardner Willings is a hilarious spoof on Ernest Hemingway, right down to the boast, “one of mine had money, too.” Hemingway’s second wife was a very wealthy woman. Willings is as swaggering, profane, and bombastic as Heminway at his peak, a man who manages to be both irritating and endearing. Eerily, this book was published in 1961, presumably early in the year. In June of that year, Hemingway committed suicide with a rifle, as had his father before him.
And the Norths have two new cats, both Siamese. Shadow and Stilts have different backgrounds and personalities, but they’ve turned into a lively pair of playmates. Their hilarious antics are worth the price of the book, even without a murder thrown in. This is such an enjoyable series and I’m sorry to be nearing the end of it.
Normally Pam North politely downplays her habit of becoming involved in murder investigations, something which she claims could happen to any New York City housewife. But this time her response is surprisingly acerbic. “Murder,” she says grimly, “has its points.”
She’s struggling to maintain her cheery hostess face at a loud party thrown by North Publishing, Inc. to celebrate the success of Anthony Payne’s latest best-seller, which is in the process of being made into a Broadway play. The martini’s are terrible, her feet hurt, and she’s been cornered by several bores. And it’s not like anyone is really happy for the guest of honor, whose enemies claim that his name should be spelled “pain.” Pam calls him a “twerp” and that’s complimentary compared to others’ opinions of him.
Still, his books sell and selling books is Gerald North’s business. And so the Norths assume cheerful faces and leave the Dumont Hotel with their valuable author in search of dinner. But as soon as they step outside the hotel, someone puts a bullet in Mr. Payne’s bald head. Captain Bill Weigand of the NYPD is assigned to investigate and there’s no shortage of suspects. Where to start?
Payne has had three wives - two ex and one current. The first Mrs. Payne is a successful actress and seems to have pushed her brief, unpleasant marriage out of her mind. The second is MIA - a victim of Payne’s cruelty. During her pregnancy, Payne decided to rid himself of her and did so by accusing her of adultery and denying fathering her son. Now she would be a middle-aged woman and her son a young man. A bitter young man?
And (naturally) Payne is cheating on his third wife, who excused herself from the party and retreated to their suite upstairs in the Hotel Dumont. Presumably, she’s got a beef with her husband and so does the handsome actor who’s obviously in love with her. Not to mention the boyfriend of the young girl Payne is having an affair with.
Then there are professional feuds. Payne is heavy-handed in his interference with the casting and production of his play and the director has expressed a sincere desire for the author to drop dead. And his latest book concerns Africa, enraging prominent writer Gardner Willings, the undisputed authority on Africa for years. Is the Dark Continent not big enough for both of them? Willings doesn’t think so, stages a scene at the party, and (embarrassingly) is decked by his rival. Quite a humiliation for the macho Willings, who’s a noted hunter and quite capable of firing a lethal shot from a hotel window or roof.
The 1960's have begun and so has the Age of Gun Violence. There’s been a rash of sniper shootings in New York City. It’s tempting to believe that Payne was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, but Bill Weigand has to consider all the other possibilities.
As always with the Mr and Mrs North books, it’s a witty and perceptive look at New York and New Yorkers in a by-gone era. And we get to catch up on old friends. Lt. Stein has been promoted - the kind of smooth, well-educated cop who moves up the ladder now. Sgt. Mullins is still a sergeant and will retire at that rank. He’s good at what he does, but lacks the polish needed for promotion. Deputy Chief Inspector Artie O’Malley fumes about that damned North dame being involved AGAIN, but knows enough to let Weigand do things his way. And a precinct detective announces furiously that NO ONE should have guns except the police. The NRA is still an organization for hunters.
Gardner Willings is a hilarious spoof on Ernest Hemingway, right down to the boast, “one of mine had money, too.” Hemingway’s second wife was a very wealthy woman. Willings is as swaggering, profane, and bombastic as Heminway at his peak, a man who manages to be both irritating and endearing. Eerily, this book was published in 1961, presumably early in the year. In June of that year, Hemingway committed suicide with a rifle, as had his father before him.
And the Norths have two new cats, both Siamese. Shadow and Stilts have different backgrounds and personalities, but they’ve turned into a lively pair of playmates. Their hilarious antics are worth the price of the book, even without a murder thrown in. This is such an enjoyable series and I’m sorry to be nearing the end of it.
March 5, 2022
Probably there is a reason the Mr. and Mrs. North stories were so popular that they had a radio and a TV series and even movies. But it it is hard for me to understand just from this book.
The story is OK, but probably a reader needs to go back to the beginning or at least much earlier in the series to appreciate the continuing characters, who are barely two-dimensional in this contrived story.
We readers all know no real author could be such a crude, cruel jerk as the Payne character is here, but perhaps in 1960 things were different.
This is number 25 in the book series. Maybe it's just not fair to judge by this relatively late entry, but the overdone writing style alone is enough to turn me off any attempts to read more.
The story is OK, but probably a reader needs to go back to the beginning or at least much earlier in the series to appreciate the continuing characters, who are barely two-dimensional in this contrived story.
We readers all know no real author could be such a crude, cruel jerk as the Payne character is here, but perhaps in 1960 things were different.
This is number 25 in the book series. Maybe it's just not fair to judge by this relatively late entry, but the overdone writing style alone is enough to turn me off any attempts to read more.
March 27, 2020
Rating 3.5 This book begins with a book party at a New York City hotel hosted by the North Publishing that has too many guests bumping into one another - some people came uninvited. This overcrowded feeling continued as I read. I felt bombarded by too many character descriptions and their names until just before the book’s conclusion. Otherwise, it is your usual cozy mystery from this series - with cat antics included. Happy reading!
January 12, 2022
Very interesting book. Old time murder mystery. I love that the author took the reader through the crime, the potential suspects, and the investigation - by the police. The pros and cons for each suspect were discussed slightly (leaving some to the reader's determination). I really liked that some of the words the author used required an expansion in the reader's vocabulary. Now to watch more of the Mr. and Mrs. North TV episodes.
December 23, 2019
Early Bird Book Deal | New cats for the Norths, what I believe to be our farewell to the Weigands (I think neither appears in the final book, but may be wrong), and a mystery with one obvious solution but good plotting to get there.
June 12, 2023
Enjoyed, far-fetched, but enjoyable. The characters were good and believable.
February 17, 2017
Usually when reading a mystery, I have some sympathy for the murdered person, but not in this one. This victim really deserved it... such a totally despicable human being. I honestly agreed with some of the suspects who suggested that maybe awarding the murderer a medal was more in order than jail! Although in the end, the murderer was nearly as despicable as the victim!
Another fun read as we're led through the investigation and we're introduced to Pam and Jerry's new Siamese cats, Shadow and Stilts.
Another fun read as we're led through the investigation and we're introduced to Pam and Jerry's new Siamese cats, Shadow and Stilts.
June 9, 2010
As the series continue the books are beginning to be more action oriented. Pam's role and Bill's role lead the mysteries but Bill's role has certainly increased.
This one is a bit chaotic at the end but there are some great passages as well. The swing into the sixties is felt here. There is now a TV and the announcer is interviewing someone who fears that communism is taking over the US.
The description of the styles also reflect the change of decades coming. This however, is the second to last in the series.
This one is a bit chaotic at the end but there are some great passages as well. The swing into the sixties is felt here. There is now a TV and the announcer is interviewing someone who fears that communism is taking over the US.
The description of the styles also reflect the change of decades coming. This however, is the second to last in the series.
February 4, 2016
Another Mr & Mrs North mystery. Once again Pam sticks her neck out and almost loses it. When the author Anthony Payne is murdered, Pam and Jerry North get swept up in solving who among the many suspects is guilty. Mr. Payne is just as his name says to many others in this cast.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews