Cover of The Case of the Velvet Claws
Cover of The Case of the Lucky Legs
Cover of The Case of the Counterfeit Eye
Cover of The Case of the Curious Bride
Cover of The Case of the Howling Dog
Cover of The Case of the Caretaker's Cat
Series

Perry Mason

30 books

Here are 30 books from the Perry Mason series by Erle Stanley Gardner. Start with The Case of the Velvet Claws (1933), then read the rest in the order below. Books without a series number are listed in publication order.

Books in order

1
Cover of The Case of the Velvet Claws

The Case of the Velvet Claws

Erle Stanley Gardner

In his debut appearance, attorney Perry Mason finds himself entangled in a complex blackmail scheme that quickly escalates into murder. When a seemingly simple case of a married woman seeking to suppress a scandalous story turns deadly, Mason must navigate a treacherous web of deceit and hidden identities. As the investigation deepens, Mason uncovers shocking truths about his client and the powerful forces at play, ultimately finding himself framed for the crime he's trying to solve. This hard-boiled mystery plunges readers into a world of intrigue, where Mason's sharp wit and investigative prowess are put to the ultimate test.

MysteryDetective FictionNoir
2

The Case of the Sulky Girl

Erle Stanley Gardner

The Case of the Sulky Girl

Erle Stanley Gardner

A young woman, desperate to marry the man she loves, finds herself in Perry Mason's office seeking help with her trust fund. However, the situation quickly escalates when her boyfriend is accused of a crime, and Mason must step in to defend him. As the case unfolds, Mason navigates a web of deceit and desperation, uncovering the truth behind the "sulky girl's" predicament. This early Perry Mason adventure showcases the developing dynamics of Mason, his sharp secretary Della Street, and the tenacious private investigator Paul Drake, all while exploring themes of love, money, and justice.

MysteryDetective FictionClassic Mystery
3
Cover of The Case of the Lucky Legs

The Case of the Lucky Legs

Erle Stanley Gardner

In this thrilling early case, Perry Mason takes on the defense of Margie, a young woman accused of murdering Frank Patton, a notorious con man who ran fraudulent beauty pageants. Patton's scheme preyed on small-town chambers of commerce, and his "winners" were often left exploited. As Perry delves deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit and desperation, with Margie and another "lucky legs" contestant, Thelma Bell, both falling under suspicion. Mason must navigate a dangerous landscape of potential violence and hidden motives to clear his client's name, proving once again his unparalleled skill in defending the innocent against overwhelming odds.

MysteryDetective FictionNoir
3
Cover of The Case of the Counterfeit Eye

The Case of the Counterfeit Eye

Erle Stanley Gardner

Perry Mason is drawn into a complex web of deceit when a client claims his valuable glass eye has been stolen and replaced with a counterfeit. This seemingly minor theft quickly escalates when a wealthy businessman, Hartley Bassett, is found dead in his study, the scene staged to look like suicide. As Mason investigates, he uncovers a tangled plot involving multiple clients, hidden motives, and a dangerous conspiracy where nothing is as it appears. With the clock ticking and the stakes rising, Mason must unravel the truth behind the counterfeit eye and the businessman's suspicious death before an innocent person is framed.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller
5
Cover of The Case of the Curious Bride

The Case of the Curious Bride

Erle Stanley Gardner

A wealthy heiress finds herself entangled in a web of deceit when her supposedly deceased ex-husband reappears, demanding money and threatening her new life. As the situation escalates, she becomes the prime suspect in his murder, forcing her to rely on the sharp legal mind of Perry Mason. Mason must unravel a complex plot involving a fake death, extortion, and a desperate attempt to protect his client from a wrongful conviction.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller
6
Cover of The Case of the Howling Dog

The Case of the Howling Dog

Erle Stanley Gardner

A seemingly simple complaint about a dog's incessant howling escalates into a complex legal battle for famed defense attorney Perry Mason. When Arthur Cartright's sanity is pushed to the brink by the nocturnal disturbance, he seeks Mason's help, only to find himself entangled in a web of deceit and hidden motives. As Mason investigates the backgrounds of those involved, he uncovers a conspiracy far more sinister than a mere barking canine. Gardner masterfully weaves intricate plotting and courtroom drama, showcasing Mason's sharp intellect and unconventional methods as he navigates a case where the truth is as elusive as a quiet night.

MysteryDetective FictionFiction
7
Cover of The Case of the Caretaker's Cat

The Case of the Caretaker's Cat

Erle Stanley Gardner

When a wealthy man dies, his will leaves a peculiar inheritance tied to his beloved Persian cat, Clinker. The man's heirs, desperate to claim the fortune, resort to threats, putting the feline in danger and prompting its owner to seek the legal prowess of Perry Mason. Mason finds himself in a complex legal battle, defending not just a client, but a creature whose fate is intertwined with a substantial inheritance and a web of deceit.

MysteryDetective FictionClassics
12
Cover of The Case of the Substitute Face

The Case of the Substitute Face

Erle Stanley Gardner

Perry Mason encounters a woman on a cruise who is desperate to maintain appearances, a situation complicated by her husband's recent financial troubles and a mysterious stranger. As the stakes rise, Mason must navigate a web of deceit, blackmail, and a desperate attempt to conceal a hidden identity. This thrilling legal drama delves into the lengths people will go to protect their reputation and the dangerous consequences of a life built on illusion.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller
13
Cover of The Case of the Perjured Parrot

The Case of the Perjured Parrot

Erle Stanley Gardner

Perry Mason takes on a perplexing case involving a wealthy rancher's disputed will and a suspicious parrot that seems to hold the key to the truth. As Mason delves deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of deceit, greed, and potential murder, where loyalties are tested and the line between innocence and guilt blurs. With his sharp legal mind and unwavering determination, Mason must navigate a treacherous path to expose the real culprits and ensure justice prevails, all while facing the threat of being implicated himself.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller
14
Cover of The Case of the Dangerous Dowager

The Case of the Dangerous Dowager

Erle Stanley Gardner

In Erle Stanley Gardner's thrilling 1937 novel, Perry Mason takes on a case for the formidable Matilda Benson, a widow determined to protect her granddaughter from a dangerous gambling debt. As Mason navigates the treacherous waters of high-stakes gambling and deceit, the situation escalates dramatically when the man demanding payment is found murdered. Suddenly, Mason's client's granddaughter is the prime suspect, and Mason himself faces accusations of being an accessory, forcing him to employ his most cunning legal tactics to uncover the truth. This gripping mystery delves into the moral complexities of loyalty and justice, showcasing Mason's willingness to bend the rules to uphold his word.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller
15

The Case of the Lame Canary

Erle Stanley Gardner

The Case of the Lame Canary

Erle Stanley Gardner

A seemingly straightforward divorce case takes a dangerous turn when Perry Mason's client, a young woman with a distinctive canary, becomes entangled in a murder investigation. The victim, found in the home of a suspicious insurance adjustor, plunges Mason into a complex legal battle where appearances are deceiving and the truth is hidden. As Mason navigates a web of deceit and conflicting testimonies, he must uncover the real killer before his client is wrongly accused. This classic courtroom drama showcases Gardner's masterful plotting and his iconic detective's sharp legal mind.

MysteryDetective FictionNoir
21
Cover of The Case of the Stuttering Bishop

The Case of the Stuttering Bishop

Erle Stanley Gardner

Perry Mason’s keen legal mind is put to the test when a stuttering bishop arrives at his office, seeking help for a mysterious "friend." As the case unfolds, Mason is drawn into a complex web of deceit, questioning legitimacy and facing a baffling murder investigation. With a disappearing body and a host of unanswered questions, Mason must navigate a treacherous path to uncover the truth behind the crime. Erle Stanley Gardner delivers his trademark blend of rapid-fire action and ingenious plotting in this classic whodunit.

MysteryDetective FictionFiction
21

The Case of the Crooked Candle

Erle Stanley Gardner

The Case of the Crooked Candle

Erle Stanley Gardner

Perry Mason finds himself entangled in a complex case when a seemingly straightforward insurance settlement for his client raises suspicions of deeper, hidden motives. The substantial payout following a car accident seems too convenient, prompting Mason to investigate potential shady business dealings that the defendant might be trying to conceal. As he delves deeper, a crooked candle becomes a crucial clue, leading him through a labyrinth of deceit, land disputes, and potential murder. Mason must unravel the truth before an innocent person is wrongly accused.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller
24

The Case of the Careless Kitten

Erle Stanley Gardner

The Case of the Careless Kitten

Erle Stanley Gardner

In this gripping tale, Perry Mason is drawn into a complex web of deceit when a seemingly innocent poisoned kitten becomes the key to a much larger mystery. A mysterious voice from the past, a missing banker, and a series of escalating crimes, including break-ins and shootouts, point to a dangerous conspiracy. As Helen Kendal finds herself entangled in the disappearance of her uncle, Mason must unravel the connections between love affairs, murder, and a voice that should be long silenced. The stakes are raised with every turn, leading to a thrilling confrontation where truth and justice hang in the balance.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller
24

The Case of the Negligent Nymph

Erle Stanley Gardner

The Case of the Negligent Nymph

Erle Stanley Gardner

In this thrilling Perry Mason mystery, a seemingly simple case of a negligent swimmer quickly spirals into a complex web of deceit and danger. As Mason navigates treacherous waters, he must uncover the truth behind a suspicious drowning and a desperate attempt to conceal a dark secret. With his sharp legal mind and the help of his trusted associates, Mason races against time to expose a cunning killer before an innocent client is wrongly convicted.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller
30

The Case of the Fiery Fingers

Erle Stanley Gardner

The Case of the Fiery Fingers

Erle Stanley Gardner

When a desperate nurse seeks Perry Mason's help, claiming she was given poison pills intended for her patient, the famed defense attorney is drawn into a complex web of deceit. What begins as a case of potential murder quickly escalates, revealing hidden motives and a dangerous scheme involving a unique trap designed to catch a thief. Mason must unravel the truth behind the 'fiery fingers' and expose the real culprits before an innocent person is framed.

MysteryDetective FictionFiction
59

The Case of the Restless Redhead

Erle Stanley Gardner

The Case of the Restless Redhead

Erle Stanley Gardner

Perry Mason takes on the defense of Evelyn Bagby, a striking redhead with big ambitions and even bigger trouble. Framed for the theft of valuable diamonds, Evelyn finds herself in a seemingly inescapable legal bind. As Mason delves into the case, he uncovers a complex web of deceit and desperation, questioning the true nature of the crime and the motives of those involved. With his signature brilliance, Mason must unravel the truth to clear Evelyn's name and expose the real culprit before justice is irrevocably served.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller

The Case of the Sleepwalker's Niece

Erle Stanley Gardner

The Case of the Sleepwalker's Niece

Erle Stanley Gardner

In this classic whodunit, Perry Mason takes on the defense of a young woman whose uncle, a notorious sleepwalker, is the prime suspect in his business partner's murder. As the investigation unfolds, a tangled web of financial dealings, a contentious divorce, and hidden motives emerge, making it increasingly difficult to discern the truth. Mason must navigate a labyrinth of deceit and misdirection to uncover the real killer before his client is wrongly convicted. Gardner masterfully crafts a suspenseful narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns, characteristic of his signature legal thrillers.

MysteryDetective FictionClassics

The Case of the Haunted Husband

Erle Stanley Gardner

The Case of the Haunted Husband

Erle Stanley Gardner

When a young hitchhiker is accused of vehicular manslaughter, she turns to the renowned Perry Mason for help. As Mason delves into the case, he uncovers a complex web of deceit involving a powerful Hollywood mogul, a mysterious disappearance, and a woman caught in a dangerous game. The investigation quickly spirals into a thrilling exploration of ambition, betrayal, and the desperate measures people take to protect their secrets. Mason must navigate the treacherous landscape of the film industry to expose the truth and clear his client's name.

MysteryDetective FictionFiction
Cover of The Case of the Golddigger's Purse

The Case of the Golddigger's Purse

Erle Stanley Gardner

In this classic mystery, Perry Mason takes on a perplexing case involving a wealthy socialite and a suspicious death. When a woman is found murdered, Mason must unravel a tangled web of deceit, greed, and hidden motives to clear his client's name. With his sharp legal mind and unwavering determination, Mason navigates the complexities of the case, exposing the truth behind the victim's demise and the secrets of those closest to her.

MysteryDetective FictionNoir

The Case of the Buried Clock

Erle Stanley Gardner

The Case of the Buried Clock

Erle Stanley Gardner

A wealthy banker's serene mountain retreat is shattered when he is found murdered, and the investigation quickly points to his son-in-law, who was recently caught embezzling funds. As Perry Mason steps in, he must navigate a complex web of deceit, wartime anxieties, and hidden secrets, including the peculiar mystery of a buried clock. The case unfolds against the backdrop of World War II, where a returning war veteran finds himself entangled in the unfolding drama, adding another layer of intrigue to the already perilous situation.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller

The Case of the Black-Eyed Blonde

Erle Stanley Gardner

The Case of the Black-Eyed Blonde

Erle Stanley Gardner

A beautiful blonde, Diana Regis, arrives at Perry Mason's office sporting a suspicious black eye, immediately drawing the famed defense attorney into a complex web of intrigue. As Mason delves deeper, he uncovers a tangled plot involving deception, hidden motives, and potential danger. With his sharp intellect and unwavering determination, Mason must navigate the treacherous landscape of secrets to expose the truth and bring the guilty parties to justice. This classic mystery delivers suspense and a thrilling race against time, perfect for any fan of intricate puzzles and courtroom drama.

MysteryDetective FictionNoir
Cover of The Case of the Cautious Coquette

The Case of the Cautious Coquette

Erle Stanley Gardner

Perry Mason takes on a seemingly straightforward hit-and-run case that quickly spirals into a complex web of deceit and murder. His client, Bob Finchley, has been severely injured, and the investigation leads Mason to Lucille Barton, a woman with a past as tangled as her many marriages and relationships. As Mason probes deeper, he uncovers a trail of lies surrounding a gun, boyfriends, and a hidden identity, suggesting that the initial accident may have been far more deliberate than it appeared. With murders beginning to mount, Mason must untangle the truth from the carefully constructed facade before his client becomes the next victim.

MysteryDetective FictionNoir
Cover of The Case of the Moth-eaten Mink

The Case of the Moth-eaten Mink

Erle Stanley Gardner

When a nervous waitress flees a bustling restaurant, leaving behind a valuable moth-eaten mink coat, Perry Mason is drawn into a perplexing mystery. The seemingly simple act of abandonment quickly escalates, pulling Mason, Della Street, and Paul Drake into a tangled web of deceit and danger. As the stakes rise, Mason must navigate a complex legal battle filled with unexpected twists and turns, all while uncovering the truth behind the abandoned coat and the secrets it holds. Erle Stanley Gardner delivers another gripping installment in the Perry Mason series, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final, shocking revelation.

MysteryDetective FictionFiction
Cover of The Case of the Glamorous Ghost

The Case of the Glamorous Ghost

Erle Stanley Gardner

In Erle Stanley Gardner's classic courtroom drama, Perry Mason takes on a perplexing case involving a client entangled with a mysterious and glamorous ghost. As the lines between reality and illusion blur, Mason must navigate a web of deceit, hidden motives, and sensational headlines to uncover the truth. With a seemingly impossible situation and a defendant whose story is anything but straightforward, Mason employs his sharp legal mind and unconventional tactics to expose the real culprit and clear his client's name. This thrilling installment showcases Gardner's signature blend of intricate plotting, sharp dialogue, and a satisfyingly surprising resolution that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller

The Case of the Demure Defendant

Erle Stanley Gardner

The Case of the Demure Defendant

Erle Stanley Gardner

Perry Mason takes on the defense of Nadine Farr, a seemingly demure young woman who confesses to murder under the influence of truth serum. Unconvinced by her confession, Mason dives into a complex investigation, suspecting that Nadine is being framed. He must uncover the truth behind the poisoning and expose the real killer before his client is convicted.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller
Cover of The Case of the Screaming Woman

The Case of the Screaming Woman

Erle Stanley Gardner

When a desperate woman is accused of murder, Perry Mason steps in to defend her, only to find himself entangled in a complex web of deceit. The case involves a missing child, illegal adoptions, and a dangerous narcotics ring, pushing Mason's legendary deductive skills to their absolute limit. As the stakes rise, Mason must navigate a treacherous landscape of blackmail and hidden motives to uncover the truth and clear his client's name.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller
Cover of The Case of the Waylaid Wolf

The Case of the Waylaid Wolf

Erle Stanley Gardner

Perry Mason takes on a perplexing case involving a young woman entangled with a wealthy, domineering client and a dangerous secret. When a man is found dead, Mason must unravel a web of deceit, greed, and desperation to clear his client's name. This thrilling courtroom drama explores themes of justice, manipulation, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, all delivered with Gardner's signature fast-paced plotting and sharp legal maneuvering.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller

The Case of the Duplicate Daughter

Erle Stanley Gardner

The Case of the Duplicate Daughter

Erle Stanley Gardner

In this thrilling mystery, a wealthy man's daughter is targeted by a criminal enterprise, setting the stage for a complex web of deceit and danger. When a private detective's suspicious death surfaces, an investment banker finds himself entangled in a blackmail scheme involving his wife. The narrative masterfully weaves together elements of abduction, financial intrigue, and murder, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Erle Stanley Gardner delivers a classic whodunit, exploring themes of greed, deception, and the pursuit of justice.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller

The Case of the Bigamous Spouse

Erle Stanley Gardner

The Case of the Bigamous Spouse

Erle Stanley Gardner

Perry Mason takes on a perplexing case when his client, Gwynn Elston, discovers her friend's husband is already married. The situation escalates dramatically when the man is found murdered, and Gwynn becomes entangled in the investigation. Mason must unravel a complex web of deceit and hidden identities to clear her name and expose the real killer. This thrilling courtroom drama delves into themes of deception, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice against formidable odds.

MysteryDetective FictionLegal Thriller