McGerr, Patricia - Death in a Million Living Rooms (1951)

Rating: B

Podge O'Neill was the most popular comedian in America, forming with his ex - wife Scottie a tandem that made millions of viewers laugh out loud. His last joke, however, had nothing funny: he died. McGerr is one of the most underrated post - war crime writers, responsible for some of the most original and daring mysteries of the era. “Death in a Million Living Rooms” lacks the brilliance of “Pick Your Victim” and the psychological depth of “Murder is Absurd” but is still way better than your average, providing a good plot, well - realized characters and a stunning picture of a milieu filled with ambition, greed and passion for power. A pity McGerr thought her duty to add an insipid love - story that certainly doesn't ruin the story but doesn't enhance it either.

Xavier Lechard