Publisher's Synopsis
A successful playwright, Steven Scrivens, is having problems with a character called Imogen Ashton in his latest play. He is undecided about the role she should play in the new murder mystery, "The Manor of Murder." He vacillates between changing her role or eliminating her altogether from the play. In the meantime, he is also having problems in his personal life, not the least of which is the disappearance of his estranged wife, Angela Devene. He is also drinking heavily and experiencing periodic blackouts. Angela has left a parting letter, which appears to explain her disappearance. The letter, in her own handwriting, clearly states that she has run off with her latest lover, Hugo. Inspector Fisher, of Scotland Yard, is not entirely satisfied with the validity of the letter, and he is dogging Steven's footsteps. Steven's agent, Anita Reid, whom Steven is also involved with romantically, is also giving Steven a hard time, castigating him about his drinking, and urging him to action to meet the deadline for completion of the play. On top of all this, Al Caesar, an American actor, living in the same apartment building, is pestering him for a part in the new play and also encouraging Steven to drink heavily in their nightly discussions of the play and other murder mysteries. Steven has also recently hired a daily cleaning lady, Colleen Daly, who takes a very close interest in his private life and the progress of the new play. There is more to all of these characters than meets the eye.
