The Roman Hat Mystery
by Ellery Queen
The Roman Hat Mystery
by Ellery Queen
When crooked attorney Monte Field is found poisoned in his seat during a Broadway performance, Inspector Richard Queen and his son Ellery are faced with a baffling 'locked-room' puzzle. The central conflict revolves around a missing top hat that seemingly vanished from a theatre under police lockdown. The investigation uncovers a web of blackmail involving high-society figures and the theatre's own cast. Main characters include the meticulous Inspector, the brilliant and bookish Ellery, and a cast of suspects ranging from gangsters to actors. The narrative arc follows a rigorous logical path, moving from the crime scene to the victim's secret life. The tone is that of a classic, intellectual whodunit, emphasizing deduction over action. Ultimately, the Queens use a daring sting operation to unmask the killer. The story concludes with a detailed explanation of the killer's ingenious but flawed plan.
