Pink Ears by Murray Leinster (1950)

Name: Pink Ears
Author: Murray Leinster

In a men-only hotel, a man named James Craig experiences a drastic shift in fortune. After enjoying a pleasant dinner and a stroll, he returns to his room to discover that he has been robbed of eighty thousand dollars in bonds he was transporting. His initial calm demeanor is shattered as he realizes the gravity of the situation, fearing that he will be suspected of theft since only he and the president of his firm knew about the bonds. The hotel staff, including a desk clerk and a police officer named Jamison, respond quickly to Craig's distress. Jamison begins to investigate, questioning Craig about his movements and the circumstances surrounding the robbery. Craig explains that he had left the bonds hidden in his suitcase, concealed under a shirt. As Jamison probes further, he suspects that the hotel staff may have been involved, particularly a chambermaid or a bell-hop. As the investigation unfolds, Jamison's demeanor remains indifferent, and he appears to be more focused on his own comfort than on solving the case. He eventually deduces that the bonds were likely taken by someone who had access to Craig's room while he was out. Craig, desperate to prove his innocence, offers to provide a detailed account of his expenditures to establish his alibi. The investigation takes a turn when Jamison learns that a known criminal, Sam Whitehouse, has been working at the hotel. He suspects that Whitehouse may have stolen the bonds after Craig left. When the police apprehend Whitehouse, they discover the bonds in his possession, confirming Jamison's theory. However, the twist reveals that Craig had actually hidden the bonds in a false bottom of a drawer in his room, which he had constructed himself. In a moment of panic, he had forgotten where he had concealed them. Jamison, having observed Craig's behavior and the pinkness of his ears, deduces that Craig was not a victim but rather the perpetrator of a poorly executed scheme to steal from himself. The story concludes with Craig being arrested, as Jamison reflects on the lack of cleverness in modern criminals. The narrative highlights themes of deception, greed, and the consequences of underestimating the intelligence of law enforcement. The character dynamics and the unfolding mystery create a tension that ultimately leads to Craig's downfall, illustrating the pitfalls of a misguided plan.

By Murray Leinster · First published 1950 · Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller · 4 chapters · 5,145 words

First lines

The Stratford is a hotel for men only, and has the air of quiet seclusion that usually is associated with a conservative club. The lobby is small and far from ornate. The smoking-room is large and comfortable. The dining-room is low-ceilinged and quaint,-a place where one can smoke comfortably,-and the kitchen produces viands that are worth a special trip to taste. Altogether, the Stratford is a place for those who want comfort, quiet, and the best of everything.

What this Textopian page supports

Pink Ears is listed on Textopian as a novel by Murray Leinster, dated 1950 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Murray Leinster
Date: 1950 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Drama, Fiction
Length: 5,145 words
Structure: 4 chapters, 127 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Pink Ears by Murray Leinster
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Pink Ears?
How does this novel by Murray Leinster fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around a robbery and the investigation that follows, central to the mystery genre.
Crime — The story involves criminal activity, specifically theft, and the subsequent police investigation.
Thriller — The tension and suspense surrounding the robbery and the protagonist's predicament create a thrilling atmosphere.
Drama — The emotional turmoil of the protagonist and the interactions between characters add dramatic elements to the narrative.