'32 Caliber' Summary

The novel begins with the murder of Harry Van Ness, a wealthy young man who is found dead in his apartment. The police are baffled by the crime, and they turn to John C. Blake, a lawyer and Van Ness's best friend, for help. Blake agrees to investigate the case, and he soon discovers that Van Ness was having an affair with a woman named Evelyn Latimer. Latimer's husband, George, is a wealthy war profiteer, and Blake suspects that he may have killed Van Ness in a jealous rage.

Blake's investigation leads him into a world of high society and intrigue. He meets a cast of colorful characters, including a beautiful socialite, a shady lawyer, and a mysterious gunman. Blake is attacked by a mysterious figure, and his life is threatened. But Blake is determined to solve the case, and he eventually uncovers the truth about Van Ness's murder.

The novel is a classic detective story, and it is well-written and suspenseful. McGibney does a good job of creating a believable world for his characters, and he keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The novel is also notable for its portrayal of women, who are often portrayed as strong and independent characters.

Here is a more detailed summary of the novel:

• Chapter 1: The novel opens with the discovery of Harry Van Ness's body. He has been shot in the head with a .32 caliber revolver. The police are baffled by the crime, and they turn to John C. Blake, a lawyer and Van Ness's best friend, for help.
• Chapter 2: Blake begins his investigation by interviewing Van Ness's friends and family. He learns that Van Ness was a wealthy young man who had recently inherited a large sum of money. He was also having an affair with a woman named Evelyn Latimer. Latimer's husband, George, is a wealthy war profiteer. Blake suspects that George Latimer may have killed Van Ness in a jealous rage.
• Chapter 3: Blake's investigation leads him to a world of high society and intrigue. He meets a cast of colorful characters, including a beautiful socialite, a shady lawyer, and a mysterious gunman. Blake is attacked by a mysterious figure, and his life is threatened. But Blake is determined to solve the case, and he eventually uncovers the truth about Van Ness's murder.
• Chapter 4: Blake learns that Van Ness had been blackmailing George Latimer. Latimer had been involved in some shady business dealings during the war, and Van Ness had threatened to expose him. Latimer hired a gunman to kill Van Ness, and the gunman shot Van Ness in the head with a .32 caliber revolver.
• Chapter 5: Blake confronts George Latimer with the evidence, and Latimer confesses to the murder. He is arrested and sent to prison.
• Chapter 6: The novel ends with Blake reflecting on the case. He is glad that he was able to solve the crime, but he is also saddened by the loss of his friend, Harry Van Ness.

32 Caliber is a well-written and suspenseful detective novel. McGibney does a good job of creating a believable world for his characters, and he keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The novel is also notable for its portrayal of women, who are often portrayed as strong and independent characters.

32 Caliber Reception

32 Caliber was a critical and commercial success when it was first published, and it has been praised by critics for its suspense, its well-developed characters, and its realistic portrayal of New York City in the 1920s. The novel has been adapted into a film twice, in 1925 and 1932.

If you are a fan of detective fiction, then we highly recommend 32 Caliber. It is a well-written and suspenseful novel that will keep you guessing until the very end.