David Alexander (4) (1907–1973)

A somewhat overly complicated fake kidnapping leads to 2 murders. After some overly complicated false theories held respectively by Hardin and his boss, Hardin hit on the truth. Among the most fun things about this series is reading about a New York that is 60 years old and the down and out characters that are Hardin's allies--ex actors, old soldiers, etc. Clearly this was set in pre-Miranda days. An interesting reference to an early TV commercial involving Betty Furness

A very good old fashioned mystery set in post-WWII, post-Korean War, New York. The main character is the editor of the Broadway Times a theater and horse track sheet. The editor, Bart Hardin, get caught up in a search for a serial killer who is killing pretty Broadway girls. Interesting observations of relative low-lifes and interesting observations about alcohol abuse. Hardin is a soft heart who likes to do nice things to the down-and-outs in his neighborhood.

An entertaining book set in a New York City of 60 years ago. It is interesting to read narrative that was written when the 19th century was still a living memory. A violent story of a search for a drug laden fake South American artifact. Hardin does sleep the one of the perpetrators (and I do not like this), but it does not spoil the story. The ending is good fun.