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Lieutenant Nathan Shapiro #1

Case of the Murdered Redhead

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It was one of the biggest evenings of John Hayward's life, for his girl had just promised to marry him. The evening was bigger than he thought, however, for on his return home he was met by New York City Police detectives and accused of murder; his victim, a woman called Nora Evans, a beautiful young woman he didn't even know. When the police unfold the fool-proof evidence against him, John is horrified by its conclusiveness and realizes he has been cleverly, carefully framed. Left with nothing save his own ingenuity and the help of his fiancee, Barbara Phillips, he must quickly provide an alibi and above all prove that he is not the man the police are looking for. As John and Barbara start the search for The Faceless Adversary, Frances and Richard Lockridge are off to another of their spellbinding mysteries.

144 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1956

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About the author

Frances Lockridge

94 books48 followers
Frances 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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5 stars
22 (39%)
4 stars
13 (23%)
3 stars
20 (35%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Robyn.
2,048 reviews
May 13, 2020
Survey reward | Not the best time for me to read this one, but I'll continue with the series | Framing someone so mercilessly, and Grady being such an asshole about it, are both so cruel that this was hard for my anxiety. That said, I think I got a good enough sense of the tone of the series to read it when I've run out of Heimrichs (since I'm already out of Norths), which means I can watch for the sales and not worry that I'm wasting money on a series I won't like.
2,174 reviews9 followers
August 13, 2018
First in a shorter series by the Lockridges, setting returns to New York City and the NYPD, following a police officer who first showed up as a minor character in the earlier series. John Hayward returns to his apartment one evening in a very happy mood, as he had proposed and been accepted by his girl. But his mood soon changes when he is "invited" to come downtown to answer some questions about a dead woman. All the evidence points to John, and his denials of never knowing the woman don't impress the police, and soon John is questioning himself also. A much darker book than the earlier series; recommended if you like mid twentieth century police procedurals. Acquired through inter-library loan.
Profile Image for N..
856 reviews27 followers
August 31, 2025
John Hayward was having a great day but now he's in trouble. The police think he killed a young woman and they have proof. But, he's never seen the girl in his life and her identity is hazy. Was John set up? If so, why? Who was the young redhead that was murdered and why would someone choose John as the fall guy? Will John and his fiancée figure it out before it's too late?

I am not a big mystery reader but the "mistaken identity" trope sucked me right in. When John's confused and the police are so sure at the beginning, there were some vague North by Northwest vibes. Loved that and the fact that I never felt lost in plot twists.
Profile Image for Carissa.
92 reviews
October 8, 2025
This is the first entry in the Nathan Shapiro series. The authors are Frances and Richard Lockridge, who are best known for their Mr. and Mrs. North series. This series begins in the 1950s and the sleuth is Detective Nathan Shapiro, the saddest (and kindest) detective on the force. In this book, a young man is accused of murdering a woman he has never seen. Having read two books in the series, one difference is that much of the story is told from the perspective of a person caught up in the mystery, rather than the sleuth's perspective. This series is every bit as enjoyable as the North series and I definitely recommend it!
246 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2021
Gentile folks behaving badly

A quiet detective, a strong woman, particularly the fifties, a well planned set of crimes and a seemingly relentless legal system, combine for a well-plotted, dark story that even gives an early nod to PTSD. Well written, not fun so much as satisfying, even though the available hints could have played out in different ways.
Profile Image for Kelly.
1,350 reviews11 followers
September 22, 2024
This is one of the best mystery books I have read in years! It is so well written with many plot twists and great characters! It is an older book but find it and read it!
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,988 reviews95 followers
March 27, 2025
Very clever and very not like Mr & Mrs North. Far darker. Far more serious.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,649 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2025
3.5 rating I just started this mystery series and it seems like the main detective, Nathan Shapiro, has zero confidence in himself and the victims have to save themselves.
Profile Image for Christine.
1,281 reviews
March 4, 2024
I really loved this one! A man is the victim of a long con and framed for murder. He has no idea who his adversary could be. With the help of his fiancée, Detective Nathan Shapiro, and a few kind strangers, he tries to work it all out before the noose tightens.
Profile Image for Lisa Kucharski.
1,045 reviews
September 2, 2010
John Hayward is picked up for a murder. We follow him as he tries to unravel the web of a frame up most complete. This mystery features Nathan Shapiro from time to time, and if you have read the Heimrich mysteries you will recognize when he comes in as well ... though he is un-named.

Shows just how far one has to go to untangle a very careful plan. You have to follow a lot of threads...
Profile Image for Anthony Yvonnica.
247 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2019
I loved this book. The tension through out was very strong. Great story, well told.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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