Dressed to Kill

Michael Shayne and his fiancée Joanne hear a scream from a hotel room and rush to investigate. The hotel maid Emily reveals two dead people, Louis Lathrop and Desiree Vance, both dressed in medieval costumes, with Lathrop wearing the dog head. Police arrive and the hotel manager Hal Brennon explains that the costumes come from Lathrop's old show.

Police inspector Pierson questions the manager and learns the costumes come from Sweethearts of Paris, Lathrop's past success. Desiree had been the show's leading lady, and Carlo Ralph played Beppo the Dog. This link suggests motives rooted in the former production.

Shayne discovers that Lathrop hosted a private anniversary party for the entire cast. He checks the production list and finds Max Allaron, the musical director who is an alcoholic and also lives at the hotel. The discovery adds another potential suspect connected to Lathrop's world.

From Earle's daughter, Shayne learns that Julian Davis stole money from Lathrop. Shayne visits Davis and finds him with Phyllis Lathrop. They confess to embezzling funds but insist they are innocent of murder and hire Shayne to prove it.

Shayne interrogates Allaron and learns Carlo supposedly died in World War I in France. A letter from Carlo in Desiree's room proves that Carlo is still alive. The discovery ties Carlo directly to the case and Allaron's leverage.

Shayne brings Davis to the Lathrop apartment and they discover a hidden passage to the maid Emily's room downstairs. They find Emily's dead body and a note explaining that she killed Lathrop years earlier after betrayal. Emily was once known as actress Lynn Evans.

Shayne doubts that Emily killed herself and continues the search for the killer. He connects the past betrayals and the hidden room to the ongoing investigation. The trail points to more players than just Emily.

Back in the apartment, Pierson is knocked unconscious in the next room by Allaron. The disruption raises the stakes and shows the killer is still at large. Shayne must press on despite the setback.

Otto Kahn, the theater doorman, arrives and confesses that he killed Lathrop and Desiree. He is really Carlo Ralph, Desiree's former husband who had been left for Lathrop. He also killed Emily because she had discovered too much about him, while Allaron had been blackmailing Carlo.

While Carlo explains his actions, Pierson regains consciousness and, with Shayne, overpowers Otto and Allaron. The immediate danger ends as the truth comes to light. The two killers are restrained and the case nears its resolution.

Shayne asks Pierson to be his best man at the wedding later in the day. He then learns that Joanne has eloped with her ex-boyfriend, tired of waiting for him. The personal twist closes the case on a somber note while leaving Shayne's professional victory intact.