Martin Pryor's realization of success topples when he is blackmailed about the murder of his wife and guilt dogs his short,...

READ REVIEW

THE PERFECTIONIST

Martin Pryor's realization of success topples when he is blackmailed about the murder of his wife and guilt dogs his short, contented days as a widower. Limiting his search to his suburban neighbors, he eliminates his suspects as incidents prove their innocence; he falls truly in love after his years of womanizing; his complacency and vanity are dissolved when he discovers he cannot anticipate every eventuality; he is realistically haunted by the memory of his dead wife; his attitudes and cruelty to those he believes inferior pay off in reverse. Martin's down-grading demands the final accounting that follows his recognition of his vain, condescending, unsuccessful self-vigilance. A hothouse of spiky blooms, this accomplishes a sharp tongued suspense which does not depend on melodrama. A double for the mystery market.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Lippincott

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1954

Close Quickview