Murder Behind the Mike - Good Old Reads

Murder Behind The Mike - Coward-McCann - First Edition - 1942

Raymond Leslie Goldman - Murder Behind the Mike — Raymond Leslie Goldman

If you want a book that reads as a 1940s film noire, then Murder Behind the Mike is it.

High Point: The novel is an easy and fun read. It is a great way to unwind for awhile.

Low Point: This novel is one of six in the series. These novels are not easy to find, and can be expensive when you do.

Author: Raymond Leslie Goldman

Publication Date: 1942

Genre: Mystery

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Dead Air and Dirty Secrets

If you want a book that reads as a 1940s film noire, this is it.

Murder Behind the Mike is one of a series featuring Rufus Reed, a newspaper journalist, and his editor, Asaph Clune.

The story has the newspapermen out to solve the murder of a radio personality before the police or rival newspapers do. Detectives and the district attorney regard them with suspicion, and the feeling is mutual. The investigation winds through a maze of false leads and shady characters. And of course, a pretty radio station receptionist is willing to assist from the inside.

Author David Goldman had a couple short stories adapted to film. This novel would have made a solid B-movie.

In fact, reading Murder Behind the Mike is like catching a Saturday matinee from another time. It’s not a classic, but it’s brisk, easy, fun, and a fine way to unwind for awhile.