Murderer's chain
"Murderer's Chain" by Wenzell Brown is a crime fiction novel written in the early 1960s. This intriguing tale explores themes of greed and deception in a futuristic setting where Martians and humans interact. The narrative centers around a plot to murder a wealthy mother-in-law for her fortune, highlighting the desperation and moral decay of the protagonist. The story follows the main character, who becomes obsessed with his financial troubles and the opportunity to invest in a lucrative venture on a new planet, Balsavius Six. In his quest for money, he concocts a plan to kill his mother-in-law, Maudie, who is unyielding in her refusal to fund his ambitions. He acquires a mysterious necklace made of a deadly substance called Malutrex, which will kill the wearer without leaving evidence of foul play. As the evening unfolds, he executes his plan, but once Maudie is dead, everything spirals out of control when the police intervene. The twist reveals that Lieutenant Onsett, a Martian in disguise, is onto him, and he finds himself ensnared by his own deadly scheme. This gripping narrative delves into the psychological consequences of crime and the unexpected twists of fate.