The unsuspected

Originally published in 1946, and inspiring an eponymous film in 1947, The Unsuspected showcases Armstrong's playwriting background with impeccable timing, theatrical scene-building, and gripping dialogue. When Jane learns that her cousin, Rosaleen, has been found hanged in her boss' office, she's certain that Rosaleen's employer, Luther Grandison, has committed a near-perfect murder. The police ruled Rosaleen's death a suicide, but Rosaleen's letters to Jane hinted at a horrible secret in the Grandison home. After crafting a false identity and signing on as Rosaleen's replacement, Jane persuades her nephew, Francis, a recently returned veteran, to help investigate. Francis concocts a plan to enter the home as the newlywed husband of Grandison's ward, Mathilda, who has recently disappeared from a cruise liner. When Mathilda unexpectedly returns, however, Francis must convince her that she's lost memories of their whirlwind romance to traumatic amnesia and thereby prevent her blind loyalty to Grandison from getting both of them killed. Armstrong's streamlined and evocative writing style makes this a fantastic recommendation for readers who enjoy classic Hitchockian thrillers.--Christine Tran Copyright 2019 Booklist

Can it ever be ethical to gaslight someone? That's the intriguing question raised by this superb entry in the American Mystery Classics series, originally published in 1946. Rosaleen Wright, secretary to director Luther "Grandy" Grandison, was found hanging in Grandy's Connecticut home, an apparent suicide. But that verdict doesn't sit well with her friend, Jane Moynihan, and Jane's nephew, Francis Howard, who suspect Grandy of murder. The pair devise an intricate plan that includes getting Jane a position as Rosaleen's replacement to get access to the household. Meanwhile, Francis will pretend to be the husband of one of Grandy's wards, Mathilda "Tyl" Frazier-who was lost at sea, leaving Grandy in control of her fortune-in order to give him a reason to look into Grandy's finances. But the scheme takes a serious hit when Tyl resurfaces alive and well, forcing Francis to pretend that Tyl somehow lost her memories of the event. Armstrong (1905-1969) is especially good at making readers doubt which characters they should be rooting for, while maintaining a nail-biting level of suspense. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.