WILLIAM IRISH – Dilemma of the Dead Lady. Graphic Book #20; paperback, 1950.

   While nowhere the masterpieces that the back cover claims that these particular stories are, the work of Irish/Woolrich are always exciting. Looking back on them, the details don’t always fit, but the people are real, in almost real situations that are made to seem real, situations the world seems to be collapsing inward. Could it happen to you?

Overall rating: ***

“Dilemma of the Dead Lady.” A cheap crook with no conscience has to murder his girl friend before he can leave France and then has the body to deal with. Fate [that follows] says that he will die for a murder that could have been avoided, committed to cover up the first, which probably would not have been revealed. (3)

“The Lie.” The by-now classic story pf a son taking the blame for a murder he believes his father has committed. The clues do not point to him, however, and [unfortunately] those pointing to his innocent father are never explained. (2)

“The Dog with the Wooden Leg.” A story of a man and his dog already has a lot going for it, but if he unknowingly is made the go-between in a narcotics racket, then you really have a story, The only flaw is the complicated business of their doing away with him once he is captured by the gang. (4)

“The Blue Ribbon.” The history of a fighter, from boyhood to championship, then the fall from glory to comeback. The fake supernatural ending destroys the mood. (3)

“Subway.” An exciting chase through a subway train, but occurring only at the expense of the guard’s intelligence. (2)

Rating: ***