Vintage 1942 Perry Mason Paperback Mystery — The Case of the Curious Bride — Erle Stanley Gardner | Pocket Books No. 77, Classic Detective Fiction

This is a well-loved vintage Perry Mason mystery with one of those can’t-look-away pulp covers: a bride, a mirror, and a chilling reflection that promises trouble.

In The Case of the Curious Bride, a nervous young woman comes to Mason with a question that feels impossible—can someone be convicted of murder if there’s no body? From there it’s lies, false identities, and courtroom pressure, with Mason doing what he does best: outthinking everyone in the room.

Photo-verified Pocket Books edition—complete, readable, and perfect for collectors who like their classics with honest wear and real history.

Quick Specs

• Item Type: Vintage paperback novel
• Size: 7 × 4 × 0.50 inches
• Material: Paper paperback binding
• Color: Illustrated black/yellow/cream cover with orange accent band
• Origin or Maker: Pocket Books Inc., New York
• Year or Era: 1942 (Pocket Books printing history page lists 1st printing Sept. 1942; copyright 1934)
• GENRE: Classic Mystery / Detective Fiction
• Language / Pages: English / 252 pages

Edition & Features 

• condition/Printing: Pocket Books edition (cover shows “Pocket Book edition complete and unabridged”; printing history page lists Pocket Books 1st printing Sept. 1942)
• Extras: “War effort” paper notice on front matter; Pocket Books No. 77 on cover

Condition Grade: Fair

Notes: Well-read copy with heavy cover creasing and surface wear; edge/corner rubbing and small losses along the spine/edges visible in photos. Page block shows a water stain on the page ends (noted), and pages are noticeably toned with age. Binding appears intact and the book is complete.

• See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.

About the Author: ERLE STANLEY GARDNER  

Erle Stanley Gardner created Perry Mason, the sharp, relentless defense attorney who helped define the fast-paced American courtroom mystery.

For pulp-cover collectors and classic mystery readers—this one looks like it’s already lived a few plot twists.

Disclaimer

All items are vintage and may show minor signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact piece you’ll receive — please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.

While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.