What do you think?
Rate this book
John Putnam Thatcher #13
The Longer the Thread
The setting is in a clothing manufacturing plant in Puerto Rico. John Putnam Thatcher, senior vice-president of the Sloan Guaranty Trust, found out when he investigated the affairs of Slax Unlimited, this Sloan backed plant in Puerto Rico beset with some very suspicious “accidents.” With $3 million of Sloan money at stake, there was nothing for Thatcher to do but go down to San Juan to investigate. What he found was a body in the front office, violence in a fiery festival, and a ransom note to the governor of Puerto Rico. There has been a rash of sabotage at the plant and management suspects a troublesome supervisor with connections to radical political movements. Thatcher is visiting just as the troublemaker is found murdered in the executive offices, shot through the back of the head, with incriminating evidence on his person. But was he the saboteur or did he discover the real culprit's identity. As with several of the other novels, the story is more about the peripheral events - in this case pragmatism versus political idealism, though stupidly conceived - and there isn't much about the evidence or detection process, or even about the personalities of the major suspects. There is also a growing feud between two members of the management team, one of whom is ostensibly kidnapped by a group of radical students, who are also prime suspects in an arson incident that destroys the company's warehouse. Both of these seemed suspicious to me and I assumed at this point that one of the managers was actually behind both events for reasons as yet unknown, and that the kidnapped man was probably dead. Sure enough, his body turns up a short while later. I had narrowed down the list of suspects to two people and it was one of them, but there was really no way to guess correctly because of withheld information. And for Sloan’s premier investigator, murder was decidedly not conducive to business.
190 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
10 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Emma Lathen
41 books22 followersAka R.B. Dominic
Emma Lathen is the pen name of two American businesswomen: an attorney Mary Jane Latsis (July 12, 1927 -October 29, 1997) and an economic analyst Martha Henissart (b. 1929),who received her B.A. in physics from Mount Holyoke College in 1950.
http://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/31/boo...
Emma Lathen is the pen name of two American businesswomen: an attorney Mary Jane Latsis (July 12, 1927 -October 29, 1997) and an economic analyst Martha Henissart (b. 1929),who received her B.A. in physics from Mount Holyoke College in 1950.
http://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/31/boo...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 25, 2014
No one wrote mysteries like Emma Lathen did. Those two ladies, masked by the Lathen pseudonym, somehow managed to pull off interesting mysteries all centered around Wall Street and a different industry or business model every time. In great part this works because they have a wicked sense of humor which is often so understated that I'll reread several paragraphs just to relish how much they say just by a deft application of adjectives.
This book is a little less successful than their others because the middle has so many threads going on that it becomes difficult to keep track of. I suppose this puts us in the same situation as John Putnam Thatcher, the senior vice president of the Sloan Guaranty Trust, who has been thrust into the middle of a murder in a Puerto Rican garment factory.
It is funny how these mysteries can seem so very current and yet also give a window into past history since they often reflected current events of the time. The plebiscite vote for Puerto Rican independence is a thing of the past but the way the newspapers shrill their stories with special interest groups at the center is just the way it is done today.
Through it all John Thatcher's level-headed interest provides an anchor from which to try to solve the mystery.
This isn't a favorite but it is on my shelf for a reason. Even a "liked it" Lathen is better than a lot of the mysteries of today.
This book is a little less successful than their others because the middle has so many threads going on that it becomes difficult to keep track of. I suppose this puts us in the same situation as John Putnam Thatcher, the senior vice president of the Sloan Guaranty Trust, who has been thrust into the middle of a murder in a Puerto Rican garment factory.
It is funny how these mysteries can seem so very current and yet also give a window into past history since they often reflected current events of the time. The plebiscite vote for Puerto Rican independence is a thing of the past but the way the newspapers shrill their stories with special interest groups at the center is just the way it is done today.
Through it all John Thatcher's level-headed interest provides an anchor from which to try to solve the mystery.
This isn't a favorite but it is on my shelf for a reason. Even a "liked it" Lathen is better than a lot of the mysteries of today.
August 29, 2025
Set in Puerto Rico, this isn't one of my favorite Thatcher novels, I think because there are no strong secondary characters to care about. But the puzzle is excellent, and the setting fascinating. 3.5*
May 20, 2020
This is a dull book with a weak mystery. Unless you're very interested in slacks manufacturing in 1970's Puerto Rico, I'd avoid this book.
November 26, 2022
John Putnam Thatcher, senior vice president of the Sloan Guaranty Trust bank makes his way to Puerto Rico to sort out a situation at Slax, a garment manufacturer specializing in women's pants. The Sloan has backed the company to the tune of a 3 million dollar loan and there's some dispute about which arm of the company should be managing the account. Commercial Credit has backed all of Slax concerns within the contiguous United States and the bank officers in charge feel that they know the business. International Credit takes care of businesses outside the United States and believe that Puerto Rico, U.S. territory or not, should fall under their purview. Somebody needs to bring harmony back to the Sloan family. So, Thatcher goes to Puerto Rico to see the situation at first hand. He expects only business problems.
But then the garment factory suffers a spate of "accidents" that can only be sabotage. Could the Puerto Rican workers be getting tired of the American bosses? There's been talk of a push for independence and a group of young radicals have already protested at the university. Benito Dominguez, the line foreman, seems to take great delight in the difficulties posed by the sabotaged lot of clothing and the ruined machinery, but none of the Slax management believe that he could be in league with the radicals...until Dominguez is found shot to death with a membership card for the radical group in his pocket and a handful of sand. Sand which was apparently used to doctor the lubricant for the cutting machines. Did one of the managers discovery Dominguez's complicity and kill him? Or are there other factors at work? When Harry Zimmerman, head of the New York Slax office disappears and a letter is received from the head of the young radical group claiming responsibility and making demands before he will be returned, it looks like maybe the protestors have been behind everything all along. But then Zimmerman is found killed as well and Thatcher and Captain Vallejo (the Puerto Rican police officer in charge of the case) will need to review the case from other angles.
This was quite a slog. I learned way more than I wanted to know about 1970s politics in Puerto Rico--whether they wanted independence or wanted to remain connected to the U.S. The details about the Slax company weren't all that interesting and most of it did nothing to move the plot along. And--for this being "A John Putnam Thatcher Mystery" per the book blurb, there was little of Thatcher throughout most of the book. When he was there and actually investigating (which pretty much only occurs in the last few chapters), the plot moved along nicely and held my interest. But both he and Captain Vallejo (the Puerto Rican police officer in charge of the case) disappear for a good chunk of the time. You would think the most important thing in the book was whether or not Slax was going to keep production going--not that two men have been murdered. I'm glad that this wasn't my first taste of the Thatcher books--I know from the previous book I read that the mystery is good when he's more involved. If this had been my first Lathen mystery, I doubt that I would have picked up another.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
But then the garment factory suffers a spate of "accidents" that can only be sabotage. Could the Puerto Rican workers be getting tired of the American bosses? There's been talk of a push for independence and a group of young radicals have already protested at the university. Benito Dominguez, the line foreman, seems to take great delight in the difficulties posed by the sabotaged lot of clothing and the ruined machinery, but none of the Slax management believe that he could be in league with the radicals...until Dominguez is found shot to death with a membership card for the radical group in his pocket and a handful of sand. Sand which was apparently used to doctor the lubricant for the cutting machines. Did one of the managers discovery Dominguez's complicity and kill him? Or are there other factors at work? When Harry Zimmerman, head of the New York Slax office disappears and a letter is received from the head of the young radical group claiming responsibility and making demands before he will be returned, it looks like maybe the protestors have been behind everything all along. But then Zimmerman is found killed as well and Thatcher and Captain Vallejo (the Puerto Rican police officer in charge of the case) will need to review the case from other angles.
This was quite a slog. I learned way more than I wanted to know about 1970s politics in Puerto Rico--whether they wanted independence or wanted to remain connected to the U.S. The details about the Slax company weren't all that interesting and most of it did nothing to move the plot along. And--for this being "A John Putnam Thatcher Mystery" per the book blurb, there was little of Thatcher throughout most of the book. When he was there and actually investigating (which pretty much only occurs in the last few chapters), the plot moved along nicely and held my interest. But both he and Captain Vallejo (the Puerto Rican police officer in charge of the case) disappear for a good chunk of the time. You would think the most important thing in the book was whether or not Slax was going to keep production going--not that two men have been murdered. I'm glad that this wasn't my first taste of the Thatcher books--I know from the previous book I read that the mystery is good when he's more involved. If this had been my first Lathen mystery, I doubt that I would have picked up another.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
May 17, 2025
There are times I wonder how you place a Wall Street banker at a murder in as many places as Emma Lathen did in her series of books featuring John Putnam Thatcher. But then, Emma Lathen was created, much like Ellery Queen, in the melding of two smart women: business analyst Mary Jane Latsis and attorney Martha Henissart.
And from such a creative duo, there is indeed one such banker, indeed a senior vice president not less, and the murders are as smart as their creators.
This is a man who doesn't let his feathers be ruffled when he learns of a dead body, instead he finds himself in an informal investigation — usually more concerned with keeping his bank out of the scandal — that results in a clever solution.
No wonder the books when first published in the 1970s were well received with critics noting how the intrigues combine current events with business matters "for creating tightly plotted mysteries that produce fascinating and civilized novels," wrote Jean Swanson and James Dean in Killer Books: A Reader's Guide to Exploring the Popular World of Mystery and Suspense
In the 13th book in the series, Thatcher finds himself diving in the business affairs of Sloan client Slax Unlimited, a women's garment-manufacturer with a plant based in Puerto Rico. The factory has been hit with a couple of suspicious incidents and the fingers are pointing at foreman Benito Dominguez under the guide of a 'revolutionary' group focused on driving American businesses out of 'their' country.
But then Dominguez is found dead and its definitely not suicide. And the likely suspects appear to be from within, and perhaps the American business leadership. While the Puerto Rican Police delve into case, Thatcher must deal with the political concerns and personalities of those who run the plant if his bank is to ever see a return on the loan it has given the company.
Its a heady brew with the action pacing the book along, and in the hands of Emma Lathen, it is a pretty darn good read.
And from such a creative duo, there is indeed one such banker, indeed a senior vice president not less, and the murders are as smart as their creators.
This is a man who doesn't let his feathers be ruffled when he learns of a dead body, instead he finds himself in an informal investigation — usually more concerned with keeping his bank out of the scandal — that results in a clever solution.
No wonder the books when first published in the 1970s were well received with critics noting how the intrigues combine current events with business matters "for creating tightly plotted mysteries that produce fascinating and civilized novels," wrote Jean Swanson and James Dean in Killer Books: A Reader's Guide to Exploring the Popular World of Mystery and Suspense
In the 13th book in the series, Thatcher finds himself diving in the business affairs of Sloan client Slax Unlimited, a women's garment-manufacturer with a plant based in Puerto Rico. The factory has been hit with a couple of suspicious incidents and the fingers are pointing at foreman Benito Dominguez under the guide of a 'revolutionary' group focused on driving American businesses out of 'their' country.
But then Dominguez is found dead and its definitely not suicide. And the likely suspects appear to be from within, and perhaps the American business leadership. While the Puerto Rican Police delve into case, Thatcher must deal with the political concerns and personalities of those who run the plant if his bank is to ever see a return on the loan it has given the company.
Its a heady brew with the action pacing the book along, and in the hands of Emma Lathen, it is a pretty darn good read.
April 25, 2021
Lovely descriptions of Puerto Rico as it was back in the 1980's. John Putnam Thatcher is investigating a loan for $3million which was issued/approved by the wrong section of the bank, causing a major argument between departments back in New York. Needless to say, the result is murder! Great story.
(You have to really read Emma Lathen, not just skim as so often. Take in the details!)
(You have to really read Emma Lathen, not just skim as so often. Take in the details!)
September 28, 2018
Thatcher is dragged off to Puerto Rico to sort out political upheaval and the twisted in-fighting of a garment factory. Clever character relations, especially a delightful labor negotiator named Annie.
Read 2 times
Read 2 times
March 29, 2018
Classic Lathen
February 15, 2021
One of my favorites! I love the P.R. settings. The plot is nicely woven together - so to speak!
December 29, 2021
An average murder mystery.
March 30, 2025
This was a mystery gift book from my granddaughter. The story was fun, I'm not a fan of mystery novels but the themes of fashion and childcare were perfect for us.
November 9, 2024
This is not the best of the John Thatcher mysteries written by the duo that hides behind the alias Emma Lathen. The puzzle at the heart of this story of sabotage and murder is not to their usually high standards. In their best books the reader can almost (but not quite) identify the guilty party before enjoying the revelation at the end. In this one the reader has to make do with an overly long explanation of the intrigue in the final pages, which doesn't entirely convince.
Perhaps the book is warped too much by its witty, but somewhat preachy, exploration of nationalism. The story is set in Puerto Rico, an island of which the status has not fundamentally changed since 1952: It is still part of the USA as an "unincorporated territory" (as colony sounds so un-American). When this book was first published, in 1971, Puerto Rico had a nationalist movement with radical and violent strands, which provides the background of this book. Today few Puerto Ricans support independence, and you could therefore expect the book outdated. But nationalism is very much alive: For all practical purposes, Puerto Rico could be Brexit Britain, and the wacky Dr. Francisco Ramirez Rivera might be David Davis. The voice of Emma Lathen is, presumably, the voice of Annie Galiano, and her curt dismissal of romantic, antiquarian nationalism: "You want to be a tourist in your own country." It is well done -- but the eloquent polemic has overwhelmed the plot.
Otherwise, this book is enlivened by a lot of happy mayhem, and the hilarious discussion of events by Bradford Whithers, whose remarks oddly contribute to solving the mystery. Entertaining but vaguely unsatisfactory.
Perhaps the book is warped too much by its witty, but somewhat preachy, exploration of nationalism. The story is set in Puerto Rico, an island of which the status has not fundamentally changed since 1952: It is still part of the USA as an "unincorporated territory" (as colony sounds so un-American). When this book was first published, in 1971, Puerto Rico had a nationalist movement with radical and violent strands, which provides the background of this book. Today few Puerto Ricans support independence, and you could therefore expect the book outdated. But nationalism is very much alive: For all practical purposes, Puerto Rico could be Brexit Britain, and the wacky Dr. Francisco Ramirez Rivera might be David Davis. The voice of Emma Lathen is, presumably, the voice of Annie Galiano, and her curt dismissal of romantic, antiquarian nationalism: "You want to be a tourist in your own country." It is well done -- but the eloquent polemic has overwhelmed the plot.
Otherwise, this book is enlivened by a lot of happy mayhem, and the hilarious discussion of events by Bradford Whithers, whose remarks oddly contribute to solving the mystery. Entertaining but vaguely unsatisfactory.
January 16, 2012
This one mostly takes place in Puerto Rico, at a garment factory. The owner also has plants in the US, and this one is being run by his brother-in-law, who's not quite as good a businessman as he thinks he is. Several bad things happen, and finally Thatcher figures out who the culprit is. It's interesting that he never says to himself "Say, I sure have been involved with a lot of murders." Each book in the series reads as though the events in the other books never happened. The most interesting character in this book is Annie Galiano, a labor organizer for the ULGWU. Too bad this is the only one in which she appears.
June 10, 2010
Emma Lathen is an author I've not read before and while I found The Longer the Thread plot somewhat less than stellar, the writing is interesting enough for me to want to explore other examples.
Ms. Latham's John Putnam Thatcher is less pro-active a sleuth than a Hercule Poirot, but her take on the business/banking world pre-2000 is wry. Business men and bankers in the President Nixon years still held some sense of honor.
I should note I read the book in one day.
Ms. Latham's John Putnam Thatcher is less pro-active a sleuth than a Hercule Poirot, but her take on the business/banking world pre-2000 is wry. Business men and bankers in the President Nixon years still held some sense of honor.
I should note I read the book in one day.
November 17, 2013
My first return to Emma Latham after about 20 years. A new one on me and I hope it is a poor one, because it is tedious in development, over-complicated in explanation. Good writing, and wry observations of office life. Knowing that the joint authors are/were economic analysts, I wish there were a third co-author who had a broader outlook on life.
November 16, 2009
Not the best of Lathen's 20-some JP Thatcher books. Although rife with the witty, piquant observations about business and people that make Lathen such a pleasure to read, its subject (independence for Puerto Rico) was just too...out of time.
June 19, 2008
I just could not get into this book. Mystery about textile industry, Unionizing, murder, and foreign workers. I finally gave up in the middle.
March 31, 2011
decent series novel, not best
Want to read
May 19, 2010Emma Lathen is 5-Star per se.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews