There's a "Canadian" author, born in Hamilton, Ontario -- but who lived most of his life in New York and later Chesapeake Beach, Maryland -- named Hulbert Footner who wrote at least three dozen novels and many short stories -- most of those based in New York. Like Agatha Christie, his mystery output consists of a number of "one offs" but coalesces around two characters: a series about Madame Rosika Storey and another about Amos Lee Mappin, both private detectives.
The Under Dogs, published in 1925, is the first novel about Rosika Storey, told by her trusty secretary, Bella Brickley. Rosika receives a plea from a young woman on the wrong side of the law who is mixed up with "The Organisation". In a spectacular escape arranged by her cronies, she breaks out of jail ... only to be taken prisoner by her mafia "friends". It's Rosika to the rescue! and in due course she lands in prison (under cover), and makes an escape with the help of the mafia and tracks down the poor young woman. But to break up the organisation Rosika herself must commit a dazzling robbery. It's fun stuff, with lots of "action", and occasional humour as the timid Bella gets sucked into the vortex of activity. Recommended as a breezy summer read.
A Kobo-friendly epub copy is available here:
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