The Conundrum of the Vanishing Cream

Hugh Kerr Mystery Series: Book XVI

Racehorses, a miracle cream and murder are inextricably involved as Hugh Kerr is asked to defend the scientist who created a formula capable of healing previously incurable wounds on animals as varied as dogs and thoroughbreds. Although it would appear unlikely that anyone would dispute the value of such a cream, the actual ownership of the formula, its eventual, if any, commercial value, and the wider applications of its use create various factions who find that greed leads to murder as the only solution to the problem. When a prominent thoroughbred breeder who has witnessed the “miracle” demonstrated on one of his prize horses makes the determination to market the cream to his own advantage, he is subsequently found dead at his desk. The obvious finger of guilt points to the original creator, who was cheated out of her discovery by unwittingly signing away her rights as a condition of employment at the research and development arm of a major cosmetics conglomerate. Learning the chemist has means, motive and opportunity, District Attorney B.B. Bond charges her in the unsavory killing. With the evidence stacked against his client, Hugh works with private detective Jack Merrick, the man who inadvertently brought the victim and suspect into contact. Together, they attempt to sort out the various conflicting clues in the hope that solution will implicate the guilty party.