The Exploits of the Patent Leather Kid

A Closer Look at Erle Stanley Gardner Short Stories in The Exploits of the Patent Leather Kid

The Patent Leather Kid is an elegant crook, hiding his identity with mask, gloves, and shoes made out of black patent leather. In truth, he is a wealthy, seemingly indolent socialite, who becomes a terror to the underworld. In the gang-ridden world of the Depression, The Kid knows that “the rulers of today were the corpses of tomorrow, where survival was the price of keen observation and rapid thought.” His enemy, Inspector Brame, believes that The Kid “is apparently one who loves adventure. His crimes are committed for excitement, rather than gain. And, in everything he does, he gives proof of a superior mentality.” This is the third volume in Crippen & Landru's collections of Erle Stanley Gardner's short stories. The book is edited by the modern master of the private-eye story, Bill Pronzini. The cover is by Gail Cross. It is also the 30th in Crippen & Landru's series of - Lost Classics -- mystery stories by great writers of the past.