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Shell Scott #8
Pattern for Murder
Sheldon "Shell" Scott, ex-Marine LA is "a private eye as private as a town hall clock. When I'm not mixed up with murder, I'm mixed up with molls. They're both my trademark."
Graphic Mystery #48.
Graphic Mystery #48.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1952
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 25, 2023
Originally published in 1952 as Pattern for Murder under the pseudonym David Knight, republished in 1954, and then released as Scrambled Yeggs under the Richard Prather byline in 1958, Scrambled Yeggs is the eighth book in the Shell Scott series in order of publication.
In contrast to other books in the series that take place in Acapulco beaches or Hollywood parties, this one is all dark and sinister. Scott is hired by a nightclub owner, Victor Peel, to find out how a traffic accident victim was murdered. This opens up a whole world when Scott investigates horse parlor owner Dragoon and his masochistic sister Sara in their secret betting parlor. And, it gets even more mysterious when Scott finds out from Captain Samson that there’s been a whole string of traffic accident fatalities where the victims looked like they’d been beat to death first.
All the scenes seem to be dark and dreary and even the women dark and cruel under the surface with long red nails and a fascination with torture.
In contrast to other books in the series that take place in Acapulco beaches or Hollywood parties, this one is all dark and sinister. Scott is hired by a nightclub owner, Victor Peel, to find out how a traffic accident victim was murdered. This opens up a whole world when Scott investigates horse parlor owner Dragoon and his masochistic sister Sara in their secret betting parlor. And, it gets even more mysterious when Scott finds out from Captain Samson that there’s been a whole string of traffic accident fatalities where the victims looked like they’d been beat to death first.
All the scenes seem to be dark and dreary and even the women dark and cruel under the surface with long red nails and a fascination with torture.
April 26, 2024
A solidly enjoyable pulpy mystery. I need to read more Prather
October 19, 2016
This a rollicking good tale of P.I. Shell Scott out to solve a hit and run death. The set of characters Prather writes to involve Scott with are rich and real and distinct. Prather writes a mystery with lots of moving parts and pieces that has hero Scott winding through the labrynth created.
The mystery is solid, with the exception of the first fourth that is a bit muddled in setup. The rest has the typical Scott sex scenes, again integral to the story. But as you read through, you'll have great difficulty trying to figure who did it.
This particular book has outstanding setting descriptions, again almost it's own character in the book. A bit more time is spent in Scott's office in description and we spend a bit more time with the pet guppies.
This is the first of the series where Scott's wardrobe is further described. Something interesting about the 5 other Scott books I've read is that the stories could take place anytime. There is little to tie to the time period of the '50s and '60s. This one the most references to the 1950s.
I liked this alot and, again, a thoroughly fulfilling story all in 160 pages. Excellent!
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 9 1/2 out of 10 points.
The mystery is solid, with the exception of the first fourth that is a bit muddled in setup. The rest has the typical Scott sex scenes, again integral to the story. But as you read through, you'll have great difficulty trying to figure who did it.
This particular book has outstanding setting descriptions, again almost it's own character in the book. A bit more time is spent in Scott's office in description and we spend a bit more time with the pet guppies.
This is the first of the series where Scott's wardrobe is further described. Something interesting about the 5 other Scott books I've read is that the stories could take place anytime. There is little to tie to the time period of the '50s and '60s. This one the most references to the 1950s.
I liked this alot and, again, a thoroughly fulfilling story all in 160 pages. Excellent!
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 9 1/2 out of 10 points.
July 23, 2018
This is the first Scott I’ve read that says it was formerly under a different name. Not sure what that means, but I’m guessing the first publication wasn’t a Scott novel. That tracks, because the tone felt less fun, especially at first. It eventually picked up, but this wouldn’t be a great first exposure to the series. That said, I didn’t dislike reading it. Seemed like Scott slept with more women than normal. The bookie’s sister, the victim’s sister/girlfriend, the gangster’s stripper, and and implied hat check girl. Plus the plot was impressively complicated. I don’t see how you could have guessed it in advance, but it all hung together when it was explained. Finished this as I landed in Cancun for the 4th 2018. Looking forward to reading many more this week.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2017
One of the better Shell Scott novels. Has all the elements of a great PI novel.
Favorite passage:
“Relax, Kelly. I guess it's all right. It has to be. Incidentally, you might as well call me Shell. Anybody who knows me well enough to arrange my murder is entitled to at least use my first name. By the way, what reason did you give this guy for wanting me knocked off?”
Favorite passage:
“Relax, Kelly. I guess it's all right. It has to be. Incidentally, you might as well call me Shell. Anybody who knows me well enough to arrange my murder is entitled to at least use my first name. By the way, what reason did you give this guy for wanting me knocked off?”
September 25, 2021
Always good Shell Scott mystery.
November 28, 2008
Shell Scott is investigating a series of suspicious hit and run deaths. Actually the first Scott novel written, although not the first to see print, and published under the name David Knight.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews