I found THE ACCUSED by accident on Munsey’s while looking for something else. It looked interesting and I downloaded it. In doing a bit of research, I found an article by George Kelley on the crime novels of Mr. Daniels. It’s a most interesting little novel and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Small College teacher Alvin Morlock is on trial for the death of his wife, the charge first degree murder.
The story alternates between trial testimony and the back story of what was just revealed at the trial.
We learn how he fist met his wife Louise, a party girl who set out to land the college man, the early days of the marriage that quickly fell apart, the build-up of tensions, the embarrassment landed on Morlock, the death, and the reasons Morlock wasn’t interested in mounting a defense.
An unusual novel structure highlights this tale. it’s worth searching out.
For more Forgotten books, check out Patti Abbott over at her blog on Fridays.
Good pick, Randy. I’ve read three or four books by Daniels, and they were all good.
I’ve seen this on Munseys too. I was always struck by the cover art but I hadn’t downloaded it because I had no clue who Daniels was. I think I will give him a try very soon.
Great read. I downloaded this one from Munseys b/c I liked the cover art. I also dug the unusual plot structure. The characters seemed genuine from the time period. He has some others up there, too. I hope I can read another one in 2013.
I have read all three novels by Harold Daniels on Munseys, and they are all well worth your time. He provides a depth of characterization truly rare in pulp fiction.