Step into the shadowy streets of Madison City, where Doug Selby, a principled District Attorney, battles crime and corruption with unwavering resolve! Created by Erle Stanley Gardner, the mastermind behind Perry Mason, the Doug Selby series is a thrilling blend of mystery, political intrigue, and courtroom drama. This lesser-known gem offers a fresh perspective on crime-solving, showcasing the prosecution’s fight for justice in a corrupt California town.
Unlike the defense-focused Perry Mason, Doug Selby’s nine-book saga dives into the gritty world of a DA determined to clean up a politically rotten county. With its fast-paced plots and morally complex characters, this series is a must-read for fans of classic mysteries craving a unique twist.
How Doug Selby Began
Erle Stanley Gardner, a lawyer-turned-author, introduced Doug Selby in 1937 with The D.A. Calls It Murder. Inspired by his own legal experiences in Ventura County, California, Gardner crafted Madison City as a fictional stand-in, brimming with corrupt officials and shady deals. Selby, a newly elected DA, emerged as a crusader for justice, contrasting with Gardner’s more famous Perry Mason, who defended clients in court. The series, serialized in magazines like The Country Gentleman, captured readers with its blend of legal strategy and detective work, running until 1949.
The Heart of Doug Selby
The Doug Selby series kicks off with The D.A. Calls It Murder, where Selby investigates a clergyman’s suspicious death at the Madison Hotel, unraveling a web of deceit despite pressure from a hostile press. In The D.A. Draws a Circle, Selby faces his nemesis, the unscrupulous lawyer Alphonse Baker Carr, who schemes to gain local influence through blackmail. The D.A. Goes to Trial sees Selby tackling a hobo’s mysterious death, piecing together clues like a jigsaw puzzle, while The D.A. Breaks an Egg, the final book, delivers a climactic showdown with Carr.
The series shines through its themes of justice versus corruption, with Selby’s single-minded pursuit of truth clashing against Madison City’s political machine. Gardner’s prose is brisk, weaving intricate mysteries with vivid California settings, from frosty orchards to dusty mesas. Unlike Perry Mason’s courtroom theatrics, Selby’s stories focus on investigation and political maneuvering, offering a grounded take on crime-solving. Sylvia Martin, a sharp reporter from The Clarion, adds a dynamic female perspective, aiding Selby’s quests.
Why Doug Selby Resonates
Though overshadowed by Perry Mason, the Doug Selby series carved a niche in the mystery genre by flipping the legal narrative to the prosecution’s side. Its exploration of small-town corruption feels timeless, resonating with readers who enjoy morally driven heroes. The 1971 TV movie They Call It Murder, starring Jim Hutton, brought Selby to the screen, proving the series’ enduring appeal. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise its quick, engaging reads, cementing its status as a cult classic for mystery aficionados.
- Publication Years: 1937–1949
- Number of Books: 9
- Setting: Madison City, California
- Key Character: Doug Selby, District Attorney
Ready to unravel mysteries with a DA who never backs down? Grab The D.A. Calls It Murder and dive into Doug Selby’s thrilling world of justice and intrigue!