It is a testament to Ross Macdonald's skill that this novel, the fourth in the Lew Archer series, does not seem dated despite being published nearly 70 years ago. The tangled web, the sharp patter, and Archer's credo are all here. Interestingly, the latter is spelled out directly when the detective is talking to a black woman whose son is in danger of being railroaded for a murder. "You are on our side, Mr. Archer?" she asks. His reply: "The side of justice when I can find it. When I can't find it, I'm for the underdog." But nothing is black and white with Archer, which is what makes him so appealing. After explaining how he may be able to help the woman, she says: "I believe that you are a righteous man, Mr. Archer." Macdonald's next sentence is gold: I let her believe it.
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