Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Agent Steve Mitchell is tasked with preventing a leak of diplomatic codes that could compromise a long-running deception operation. After investigating in London and Athens, he discovers his contact Slater has been murdered, leading him to track suspects onto a flight where he attempts to identify a traitor among the passengers. In Athens, Mitchell and LeBlanc investigate potential suspects, eventually discovering a hidden message on a sightseeing poster that points to a meeting at Pier 8. The investigation culminates in a violent confrontation on the pier involving Fabian, which ends with the discovery of a large sum of cash that the duo decides to donate to the United Nations Children's Fund.

In this episode of 'Broadway's My Beat,' Detective Danny Clover investigates the murder of Joe Turner, a rookie policeman. The investigation leads from a tense confrontation between Roy Harlan and Betty Turner to an interrogation of a ship captain regarding Roy's recent return to New York. The mystery unfolds through recollections at a wake and a final confrontation with Roy Harland on a ship. It is ultimately revealed that Roy killed Joe because the officer had attempted to arrest him for a past robbery.

Private investigator Michael Shane and his assistant Phyllis Knight are hired by Professor Brill of Huxley College to investigate disturbances, including a peeping Tom and an assault on student Quincy Baldwin. The investigation turns dark following the murder of Agnes Carter, who was strangled with football laces. As the investigation progresses, Shane uncovers a series of calculated murders orchestrated by Quincy Baldwin. Following a tense stakeout at a sorority house, Shane catches Baldwin attempting to kill Claire Fisher with tennis strings, leading to his arrest and the revelation of his psychological experiment.

Sergeant Friday and partner Ben Romero investigate the disappearance of Juanita Lasky after receiving a worried call from her mother in Utah. Their investigation leads them through the Chelsea Hotel and the Claggett building, where they find evidence suggesting she left her room in a hurry. Following leads from her boyfriend and a found handbag in Pomona, detectives discover she used an alias to apply for a job at an Army Air Base. The search eventually leads back to the Chelsea Hotel, where Juanita is found suffering from temporary amnesia.

Detective Richard Diamond investigates the death of John Wiley, a man found with a broken neck at Pat Stenz's hair salon. The investigation leads Diamond and Lieutenant Levinson to uncover connections between the deceased and salon worker Nancy Cummings, as well as a history of blackmail. As the investigation deepens, Diamond discovers that Lillian Worcester's father committed suicide due to Wiley's blackmail efforts. Through psychological interrogation, Lillian eventually confesses to murdering Wiley by breaking his neck.

Johnny Dollar's attempt at a peaceful Sunday with Betty Lewis is derailed by a wave of urgent calls from associates, including Alvin Peabody Cartwright. The tension leads Johnny to Los Angeles, where an underworld contact delivers grim news regarding Mr. Cartwright. The episode concludes with the revelation that a frightening scene in a library was actually a surprise anniversary party for Johnny's five years of investigations. The broadcast ends with commercial breaks and a news bulletin regarding a union vote by IUE members in Schenectady.

In this episode of 'This is Your FBI,' titled 'Little Tough Guy,' investigators recount a robbery involving army binoculars and a young accomplice who attempts to extort his former partner with a cap pistol. The narrative continues with the investigation into juvenile delinquent Tommy Winfield, where Special Agent Jim Taylor utilizes forensic evidence and witness testimony to uncover a criminal hideout. The program concludes by addressing the broader issue of juvenile delinquency, highlighting the role of parental responsibility in preventing criminal behavior.

In this episode, Linda Graham accuses Joe Reed of murdering her grandfather to prevent being removed from his will, while Inspector Faraday investigates a series of mysterious knife murders. Boston Blackie begins investigating the connection between these crimes, eventually discovering that the victims may have been witnesses to a second will. Blackie and Mary attempt to trap Reed by using Dr. Parker's knowledge as bait. However, Reed avoids the planned appointment and instead confronts Dr. Parker at his home, attempting to bribe or kill him. The episode concludes with a final sting operation orchestrated by Blackie and Faraday to bring Reed to justice.

Following the mysterious murders of Jane and Penny Green, Philo Vance enters the investigation despite District Attorney Markham's attempts to keep him away. Analyzing clues such as the lack of makeup on the victims and examining Penny Green's diary, Vance begins to uncover leads. Vance investigates the Green household, discovering a poker chip with the initials 'M.G.' in Mrs. Green's purse and later confronting Mike Gibson at his gambling house. Through a stakeout, Vance observes Mrs. Green entering the gambling den, leading to her arrest for the murders of her stepdaughters. It is revealed that Mrs. Green killed Penny to secure the family estate as part of a scheme involving Gibson.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson arrive at Pensdragon Castle for the wedding of Lady Ginevra, where they encounter mysterious family tensions involving the sudden return of a cousin, Percy. The investigation begins when Holmes examines a padlocked dower chest and discovers evidence suggesting recent movement within it. The mystery concludes as Holmes reveals he orchestrated a ruse to allow Lady Ginevra and Percy to elope during a Christmas party. After uncovering an imposter acting as Father Christmas and finding the vicar locked in a dungeon, the investigation ends with the revelation that the 'disappeared' lady was actually escaping in a sleigh.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate a mysterious case involving Mr. Robert Ferguson, who claims his wife has exhibited vampiric behavior and violent assaults on their children. Upon traveling to Lamberley, the investigation uncovers the truth behind these terrifying outbursts. The investigation reveals that the mother's aggressive actions were actually an attempt to protect her baby from a poisoned arrow used by her son, Jackie. The episode concludes with a retrospective look at how Holmes deduced the boy's jealousy through a subtle reflection in a window.

In this episode of The Shadow, Professor Claude Mitchell and his wife Ellen plot to use hypnotic conditioning to kill their nephew Warren for his inheritance. Lamont Cranston and Margot Lane encounter the boy and notice he is susceptible to hypnotic triggers related to car motors. The Shadow later investigates a doll maker named Otto to uncover the professor's sinister plans. In a dramatic radio play, Lamont and Margot attempt to thwart the Professor's plot using a dummy and ankle restraints. They successfully trick the Professor into believing he has hit Warren with a car, ultimately leading to the Professor's death in a car crash. The program concludes with a moral warning about the dangers of crime.

Following the wrongful conviction of Albie Baker for murder, Mr. and Mrs. North enter a high-stakes bidding war with gangster Kewpie Warren to purchase a letter from Krug that could prove Baker's innocence. After attempting to steal the evidence using a smoke bomb tactic, the couple discovers that the first version of the letter was burned by Krug. After negotiating a new deal for the original letter, the Norths are confronted by Cupid, leading to a violent altercation where Krug is accidentally killed. The episode concludes with Jerry and Pam paying Krug's associate to ensure favorable testimony regarding the death.

Government agent Steve Mitchell is assigned to recover stolen Nazi 'buzz bomb' plans brought to the United States by a man named Frelick. His investigation leads him from New York through London and Holland, following a trail of clues involving a mysterious trunk with a false bottom and the murder of Alice Chambers. As Mitchell uncovers that Julius Sachs has been tracking him and is responsible for the death of 'Button Eyes,' the pursuit culminates in a tense standoff at the airport. After being held at gunpoint, Mitchell manages to disarm Julius, revealing the plot to sell the stolen plans.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the death of Artie Blanchard, a man who fell from a hotel marquee amidst a scene of scattered large bills. The investigation leads the detective to interview Blanchard's partner Joe Tobin and a woman named Mrs. Miller, eventually cornering a young man named Tommy Jordan, who confesses to involvement in the events preceding the death but denies being the killer. The investigation continues into the aftermath of the murder, focusing on individuals connected to a recent high-stakes crap game. Through raids and interrogations involving figures like Teddy Webster and the Lucas Brothers, Clover uncovers a motive involving stolen gambling winnings and a broken partnership.

Private detective Mike Shane investigates the murder of G.W. Highland at his experimental laboratory, where a dying message points to a man named Pringle. As the investigation unfolds, Shane discovers that Pringle's missing revolver matches a gun found in Highland's desk and uncovers conflicting timelines involving several suspects. The investigation reaches a climax as Michael Shane uses an experiment with a leaking chemical tank to pinpoint the exact time of death. This discovery allows the Inspector to prove that Mr. Pringle's alibi was fabricated, leading to Pringle's confession and the revelation of his motive for revenge.

Detectives Friday and Romero confront Vernon Carney at City Hall, where he is holding a homemade bomb and demanding the release of his brother, Elwood. As the detectives negotiate and develop tactical plans involving a dictaphone and a rope descent to neutralize the device, tensions escalate with the arrival of Elwood and worsening wind conditions. The mission reaches a climax during a dangerous ledge climb and an elevator descent to dispose of the explosive. Despite the high stakes and the threat of a catastrophic explosion, the bomb fails to detonate upon hitting the sidewalk, leading to the conclusion of the case.

Private detective Richard Diamond investigates a murder following a laundry mix-up that led to the death of Mr. Green, owner of Blue Bell Laundry. After discovering a mysterious code on a shirt collar, Diamond realizes the misplaced clothing is tied to a larger criminal conspiracy. Working with his partner, Diamond decodes the laundry mark to track a narcotics delivery. The investigation leads to a confrontation with Jones and a raid on Superior Cleaning and Dye Works, ultimately uncovering a hidden stash of narcotics under a kitchen sink.

Freelance insurance investigator Johnny Dollar investigates an arson attack at a toy factory that implicates underworld figure Smokey Sullivan. After evidence suggests the victim may be Sullivan himself, Johnny embarks on a mission to locate him and prove his innocence. To find the missing man, Johnny executes a dangerous, staged traffic stunt designed to attract media attention. Despite facing legal consequences, the plan succeeds when Smokey Sullivan appears with the clues needed to resolve the case.

In this episode of The Adventures of The Saint, Simon Templer is approached by Susan Sparrow, who claims to be searching for her missing husband. The investigation leads to the discovery of Frank Sparrow's body in the harbor, revealing he was murdered by a night watchman. As the mystery deepens with a second murder, Templer uncovers a web of deception involving Susan, Rego, and Collins. The mystery reaches its resolution when it is revealed that the man identified as Sparrow was actually Gleason, who had swapped identities with the dead Sparrow to evade detection. Templer explains how the killer used the unidentified corpse in the harbor to hide his true identity while pursuing his targets.

In this episode of 'This is Your FBI,' the investigation follows the fraudulent Dr. Arthur St. Clair, a fortune teller who uses spiritualist performances to manipulate wealthy clients like Mrs. Harriet Brunswick for financial gain. As agents Taylor and Madison track St. Clair using leads from a hotel bell captain and a cab driver, the swindler attempts to finalize his scheme with a marriage proposal. The investigation concludes as FBI agents use a torn magazine advertisement to track St. Clair to a hotel. Following a confrontation where Harriet reveals his crimes via a newspaper, St. Clair is apprehended by the FBI.

Boston Blackie investigates the murder of pawnbroker Paul Blaine after being implicated by a tip. While developing a sidewalk photograph, Blackie and Mary Wesley find photographic evidence of an accurate clock that initially provides an alibi for Harry Matthews. However, further investigation into the darkroom reveals that the clock in the background was intentionally manipulated to create a false alibi. Blackie discovers that an accomplice set the clock back, ultimately identifying Harry as the true killer of Paul Blaine.

Investigator Philo Vance investigates the death of movie cowboy Art Ingram, which initially appears to be a riding accident. However, Vance suspects murder after noticing Ingram was wearing a ring, implying he was not wearing his customary riding gloves, leading to the conclusion that Ingram was placed on the horse after death to stage the scene. Alongside District Attorney Markham, Vance identifies stuntman Wally Douglas as the killer through clues involving a misplaced literary quotation and the lack of gloves. The investigation concludes with Vance using a phone call to Daniels University to link Douglas's educated background to the crime.

In this Sherlock Holmes radio drama, the detective receives a chilling letter from Professor Moriarty, who claims to have survived their encounter at Reichenbach Falls and vows revenge against Dr. Watson. The plot unfolds as Moriarty uses impersonation and theft to frame Watson for a jewelry heist. As tensions escalate, Moriarty threatens to blow up Buckingham Palace during a royal ball. Holmes must navigate a series of daring robberies and successfully disarms a time bomb hidden in a chicken basket, only to discover that Moriarty has escaped custody.

In this dramatization titled 'The Cornish Horror,' Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes visit the Cornish Peninsula to investigate a mysterious situation at Treviling Water. Following a report from the vicar, Mr. Roundhay, regarding a rocking cradle and the declining health of Mrs. Gregory, Holmes and Watson examine the estate to uncover the cause of these unsettling nocturnal events. The investigation leads Holmes and Watson to exhuming the body of Matty Fennelly, eventually uncovering a murder plot involving Dr. Dennis Trevining, who used antimony to poison family members for inheritance. The mystery of the supernatural cradle rocking is ultimately revealed to be caused by a black cat entering through a broken window.

A series of mysterious bombings strikes the city, triggered by E-flat tuning forks that activate bombs via photoelectric cells. As the city descends into an enforced state of absolute silence to prevent further explosions, Lamont Cranston and Margot Lane investigate leads pointing toward Dr. Bedeau, who has been purchasing multiple tuning forks of the same pitch. The investigation culminates in a tense confrontation where Dr. Bedeau attempts to execute a 'symphony of silence' using a bomb. Lamont Cranston reveals he has neutralized the device, and the composer ultimately dies of heart failure induced by his own delusion. The episode concludes with The Shadow's classic warning about the dangers of crime.

In this episode of The Adventures of Mr. and Mrs. North, Bill Wygan seeks advice regarding the Middleton murder case, which is complicated by multiple conflicting confessions. As Jerry and Pam investigate David Middleton's secretive studio, they encounter a booby trap, followed by a sudden shooting during a breakthrough call from George Warwick. The investigation reveals that George Warwick was framed by Larry Chapman. By identifying a flaw in a newspaper date and using life-sized dolls as decoys, the Norths successfully trap Chapman and expose his elaborate scheme to inherit wealth.

American agent Steve Mitchell is assigned to Malaya to investigate a gang of bandits raiding vital rubber plantations. Accompanied by British agent Willoughby and an importer named Perkins, Mitchell travels through the jungle, encountering various threats and suspicious circumstances that culminate in a violent midnight attack on Van Voorhees' plantation. Following the raid, Mitchell investigates potential leaks within the plantation staff before discovering the bandit camp. Through a coordinated sting operation, Mitchell uncovers the truth: the bandits' leader is none other than Perkins, who had been using a walkie-talkie to coordinate the attacks.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the death of Peggy Warner, a woman found poisoned in an alley. His inquiries lead him from Tate's Bar to the Blake family home, where he discovers the victim previously worked as their maid and uncovers a history of unstable employment. The investigation traces Peggy's frequent job losses and reveals a connection to Charles Blake. The case culminates in a confrontation at the Blake residence, where Charles confesses to poisoning Peggy with whiskey to protect his family.

Detective Mike Shane and his associate Phyllis Knight investigate a mysterious case involving Mr. Dixon, a man believed dead who has unexpectedly reappeared. Their investigation at a relative's farm leads to the discovery of a murdered body in a bricked-up well and a tense confrontation with potential heirs. As the investigation continues, evidence suggests that the man posing as Gregory Dixon is an imposter. After discovering Howard Connell's body, Mike Shane deduces that his apparent suicide was actually a murder orchestrated by Clarence Fisher to cover up a shared conspiracy.

This episode follows the investigation into a series of violent crimes committed by Johnny Savage, a man posing as a police officer using a red light to ambush victims. Detectives Friday and Romero track a spree of robberies and kidnappings across Los Angeles, leading to a high-speed pursuit that results in a dramatic crash. Following the identification of Savage through eyewitness testimony, a manhunt ensues, ultimately cornering the suspect in an alleyway. The investigation concludes with the tragic death of victim Sally Wilder and the revelation of the true legal fate of Johnny Savage.

Following Rexall advertisements, private investigator Richard Diamond is hired by a softball team to locate their missing player, Lottie. His investigation into the disappearance leads him to uncover connections to the crime boss Bigfoot Grafton. The case intensifies as Diamond investigates the funeral of Grafton, facing violent threats and a shooting. The episode concludes with Diamond navigating the dangers of his investigation and a romantic moment with Helen.

Insurance investigator Johnny Dollar is called to the massive Rockwell estate in Santa Barbara by Mr. Cartwright, who fears for the life of his wealthy client, Rockland Rockwell. Rockwell confesses that he once ruined a British businessman named Ashley and now faces a death threat from Ashley's son, Marvin, who has arrived in the United States seeking revenge. While investigating a large dinner party at the mansion, Dollar observes several men during a game of pool. Through subtle linguistic slips regarding billiards terminology and local landmarks, Dollar exposes Mr. Gibson as the English actor Marvin Ashley. The investigation concludes with a high-tension confrontation involving a firearm and a pool cue.

In this episode of The Adventures of the Saint, Simon Templer investigates a shooting in Joe Maxon's office that left business competitor Cary dead. After discovering that Maddie North stole his revolver, Templer tracks her to her apartment and confronts Harris, a rival gambling club owner, regarding the motive behind the crime. As the investigation deepens, Templer suspects Harris of orchestrating a plot to eliminate rivals. Following a tense confrontation on the Brooklyn Bridge where Maxson is found dead, Templer reveals his deduction that Harris killed both men to consolidate power in the gambling industry.

In the episode 'Swampland Killer,' an FBI agent and a sheriff investigate a jewelry theft and murder. The investigation uncovers tension between John Perry and his wife, Tilly, as her brother, Paul Mitchell, attempts to involve her in a criminal scheme involving stolen goods. Special Agent Taylor and Sheriff Watson track Mitchell and an accomplice to a cabin, discovering an injured John Perry who confirms Mitchell's involvement. Following a pursuit through the swamps and aerial surveillance, the FBI intercepts the pair, leading to the criminals' sentencing.

Boston Blackie and Mary Wesley discover the body of millionaire John Van Dorn on a moving carousel in the middle of the night. As Blackie investigates, he encounters Inspector Faraday and attempts to question the victim's widow and her lawyer, Wilcox, eventually breaking into Wilcox's office to search for clues in a safe. Through the investigation of a contract containing a 'ridicule clause' and a confrontation with Ronson, the truth is revealed. Mrs. Van Dorn shot her husband to prevent a scandal and subsequently killed the carousel owner to cover her tracks.

Private investigator Philo Vance is approached by Sarah Payton, who makes the unusual request to be paid specifically not to investigate her death. Following her murder, a professional dancer named Joe is arrested after his top hat is found at the crime scene, though Vance suspects the evidence may have been planted. As Vance and District Attorney Markham investigate, they shift their focus from Joe to Samuel Payton after discovering a gun in his possession. Through ballistic analysis and the detection of a specific scent on the weapon, Vance ultimately reveals that Samuel's wife, Matilda, is the true killer who attempted to frame Joe.

In this Sherlock Holmes dramatization, Dr. Watson recounts the high-stakes theft of a sensitive naval treaty that threatened the peace of Europe. Percy Phelps seeks Holmes's assistance after the document mysteriously vanishes from his room during a heavy rainstorm. Through careful surveillance and investigation, Holmes and Watson observe a mysterious figure and successfully recover the treaty hidden under a floorboard. The case concludes with Holmes revealing how he deduced Joseph Harrison was the thief.

In this Sherlock Holmes radio dramatization, Holmes and Watson investigate a shooting in Tucknell Park that leaves Superintendent Jeffers wounded. The investigation begins with the discovery of clues at the crime scene, including a discarded cap and a revolver. Through ballistics experiments, Holmes proves that George McGowan's revolver was not the murder weapon, exonerating him. The mystery concludes at the hospital, where Holmes uncovers a plot by the Matron to poison the recovering doctor out of jealousy, leading to her ultimate suicide.

In this episode of The Shadow, Dr. Anna Marler uses a scientific discovery to temporarily rejuvenate an elderly woman, only for the villainous Gorlin to steal the life-extending liquid to create an invincible army. Lamont Cranston learns from a correspondent that Gorlin is attempting to flee to Europe via a new giant clipper ship and rushes to intercept him. The confrontation concludes with Gorlin leaping to his death after believing he has consumed a rejuvenation liquid that was actually a harmless stimulant. Lamont reveals to Margot that the true secret of Dr. Marler's liquid was destroyed to prevent its misuse, ending the episode with a classic moral warning.

Upon their return to New York, Jerry and Pam North find themselves targeted by Connors, a man searching for spy microfilm hidden under a car's hubcap. The discovery of the film by Toby, a mechanic, leads to a blackmail attempt by Anita and a series of escalating confrontations. The tension culminates in a high-stakes investigation that uncovers a murder at an apartment on Bryce Street. As the plot unfolds, it is revealed that Connors was responsible for the killing, leading to the eventual resolution of the microfilm conflict.

Agent Steve Mitchell is assigned to investigate the theft of a jewel from the Krona Cutlass, a symbol of unity for an Eastern European nation. His investigation leads him from a jail interview to Liverpool, where he witnesses the murder of a suspect, and eventually to the Royal Museum, where he faces intense local hostility. As Mitchell investigates a conspiracy, he discovers that the stone presented as evidence is actually cheap onyx. After surviving assassination attempts via crossbow and gas, Mitchell confronts Gabor and Dr. Marzak at the museum, ultimately revealing that the real sword was hidden in plain sight within a statue.

In this episode of Broadway's My Beat, Detective Danny Clover investigates the shooting of Helen Selby, a young woman found dying in an apartment. The investigation leads Clover from a moving man's discovery to a conversation with a truck driver, and finally to a confrontation with Leo Pearson, who reveals a complex connection to the victim. The investigation moves from an interrogation of Chris Miller to a visit with Mrs. Hancock at a home for the aged. The tension culminates in a confrontation where Detective Clover reveals that Leo killed Helen to prevent being sent back to the nursing home.

Private detective Michael Shane and his associate Phyllis Knight investigate the murder of John N. Crowder in his San Francisco home. The investigation uncovers a mysterious phone number, a hidden wall safe, and missing railroad bonds. The case intensifies as the Inspector discovers a silver money clip near the crime scene and finds the missing bonds hidden in a dictionary. The detectives eventually confront Lee Strayhorn, linking him to the murder via a firearm found in his car and revealing his motive: a desire to marry Crowder's ward, Janet Whitcomb, for her wealth.

Detectives Friday and Ben Romero investigate the murder of Helen Corday, analyzing forensic evidence such as blood types, hair samples, and specific footwear footprints. After following numerous dead-end leads and interviewing various witnesses, the investigation shifts focus toward Frank Philip Larson. Using circumstantial evidence—including a matching rhinestone found in Larson's hotel room and discrepancies in his alibi—detectives link him to the crime. The episode concludes with Larson's interrogation and eventual confession, revealing he killed Corday during an attempted robbery while intoxicated.

Private detective Richard Diamond investigates a series of suspicious deaths, beginning with the fatal fall of Dr. William Evans following a mysterious $1,200 proposition. The investigation uncovers a web of connections between the doctor, an insurance company, and George Farmer, who died in a fire. As Diamond probes a lodge to interview witnesses, he uses deductions regarding insurance policies and physical evidence to conclude that Mrs. Farmer orchestrated a murder with the help of Mr. Phillips. The investigation culminates in a fatal confrontation involving Mr. Phillips.

Johnny Dollar is confronted by George Kane, who threatens his life in retaliation for the death of his brother, Felix. While investigating leads in New York alongside Lieutenant Randy Singer, Johnny discovers that his phone line has been tapped. As the investigation intensifies, Johnny realizes George Kane is targeting Betty Lewis. After a frantic pursuit involving a taxi, Johnny learns that Kane has already abducted Betty, but the tension resolves when he reunites with Randy Singer, who reveals that George Kane has been apprehended at a rooming house.

Simon Templer, known as The Saint, is recruited by Mayor Towers to find his kidnapped son, Bill, who is being held by crime boss Jackie Flynn. After investigating tips and tracking down clues, Templer manages to locate and untie Bill. However, the investigation takes a dark turn when Templer discovers that Bill's death was not a suicide, but a murder orchestrated by Mayor Towers himself to prevent a political scandal. During an election victory celebration, Templer confronts the Mayor with the truth of the corruption and cover-up involving Packy Flynn.

This episode of 'This is Your FBI' presents the dramatized wartime file 'Operation Rumba,' following American chemist George Harrison as he becomes a target for spies in South America. The investigation into a stolen briefcase containing secret information leads Special Agent Jim Taylor and Chief of Police Carlos Montes to uncover a plot involving Mrs. Wagner, who was working with German interests to deliver Harrison to a U-boat. The narrative follows the investigation from an initial incident in South America through to a high-stakes interception of a kidnapping attempt. The case concludes with the exposure of Mrs. Wagner's motives and her eventual conviction and deportation.

Insurance agent Emil Barnes approaches Boston Blackie with a mystery regarding diamonds being stolen from the Winthrop Jewelry Company despite thorough searches of all employees. The investigation takes a dark turn when Barnes is found murdered, prompting Blackie to go undercover as an employee named John Jones to find clues. Blackie discovers that diamonds were being stolen using homing pigeons attached to their legs. After a tense rooftop stakeout, Blackie and Shorty attempt to catch the thief, but John Glass falls to his death during the escape. Blackie concludes by explaining how Glass used Van Hooten's pigeons to facilitate the robbery without the owner's knowledge.