The scarlet letters

About “The scarlet letters”

Dirk and Martha Lawrence are a troubled couple in New York, with Martha seeking help from Ellery Queen due to Dirk's jealousy. Dirk misunderstands and attacks Ellery. He later explains his behavior, citing his father's past violence. Ellery's secretary, Nikki Porter, moves in to monitor the situation. She discovers Martha is meeting actor Van Harrison in secret, using coded envelopes. The code relates to a New York Guidebook. Dirk finds out about the affair, confronts Martha and Van, and shoots them. Van leaves a dying clue with "X" and "Y" written in blood. Ellery solves the mystery, leading to Dirk's trial. A private conversation with the judge results in justice for the crime.