Murder Is My Business

Arnold Ramsey has two adult children, Dorothy and Ernest, who dislike his second wife Eleanor. Eleanor has her own money but refuses to spend it on supporting the family's lavish lifestyle, creating underlying tensions.

Eleanor meets with private detective Mike Shayne to hire him to investigate threatening letters she has been receiving. The scene reveals her troubled home life and the sources of her distress.

Arnold Ramsey approaches Shayne, suggesting he stage a fake jewelry burglary to claim insurance money. Ramsey's scheme involves an actor breaking in and finding an empty jewelry case, hinting at criminal intent.

Shayne considers Ramsey's proposal but remains cautious about involvement in illegal activities. Later, he vents his frustration to his secretary Phyllis, unaware that Joe Darnell and his wife overhear his concerns, establishing potential future complications.

Joe Darnell, an ex-convict desperate for $1000, volunteers to burglarize the Ramsey residence, believing it to be an opportunity for quick money. Shayne advises him to stay lawful, giving a small gift check as encouragement.

Later that night, Darnell disregards Shayne's advice and breaks into the Ramsey home, claiming Shayne hired him. Arnold Ramsey accepts Darnell as a guest, setting the stage for subsequent violence.

Ramsey murders his wife Eleanor while she sleeps, using strangulation as his method. Darnell unexpectedly discovers her body and tries to revive her, providing Ramsey with a cover story for the crime.

In a tragic turn, Ramsey kills Darnell when he arrives at the scene, claiming Darnell was a burglar caught in the act. The police believe Ramsey’s false story and close the case without suspicion.

Carl Meldrum, an ex-con gigolo courting Dorothy, witnesses the actual murder of Eleanor. Recognizing the importance of this evidence, he begins blackmailing Ramsey for money.

To silence Meldrum, Ramsey plans to kill him and tries to frame Eleanor's brother, Buell Renslow, hoping to divert suspicion away from himself. Meanwhile, Shayne continues to gather evidence against Ramsey.

Shayne conclusively uncovers the real murderer, exposing Ramsey’s guilt. His investigation leads to the police, who are finally able to identify the true perpetrator and clear the innocent parties.