The devil to pay

About “The devil to pay”

Solly Spaeth, a financier involved in the "Ohippi Hydro-Electric Project," has caused financial ruin for several people, including his business partner Rhys Jardin. After Jardin is forced to sell his personal property at auction, his daughter Valerie, who is involved with Spaeth's son Walter, and his long-time servant Pink are distressed. Walter asks Ellery Queen to attend the auction and buy every lot, leading Ellery to become involved when Spaeth is found dead, pierced by an ancient sword coated with molasses and cyanide. Several people are suspected, including members of the Jardin household, Spaeth's son, his lawyer, his mistress, and the eccentric Winni Moon. Ellery investigates alibis and motives to uncover the murderer. A sub-plot involves Ellery being hired to work on a screenplay but unable to meet with studio head Jacques Butcher, who plays a larger role in the next novel.