The Rat Began to Gnaw the Rope

When Ruth McClure approaches Gil and asks him to investigate the stock she inherited from her father, he reluctantly agrees, never expecting to be embroiled in scandal, subterfuge, and murder. But the more he digs the deeper the manipulation scheme goes, and it becomes unclear whether Gil will find a way out.

In this portrait of pre-WWII America, this exceptional mystery combines fast-paced plotting and a breezy writing style with C.W. Grafton’s thorough knowledge of the law.

‘First published in 1943, this outstanding hard-boiled whodunit from Grafton (1909 -1982), the father of MWA Grand Master Sue Grafton, introduces Kentucky attorney Gil Henry. … The superior prose and logical but surprising plot twists amply justify this volume’s reissue as a Library of Congress Crime Classic.’ - Publishers Weekly, starred review

‘A worthy addition to an outstanding new series.’ - Michaele Leber, Booklist