Originally published in 1941, and now back in print for the first time in decades, The Odor of Violets features a unique American twist on the English tradition of the gentleman detective with its protagonist, Duncan Maclain, a private eye who…well, can't use his eyes. Maclain, a World War I veteran blinded in combat, instead sniffs out the truth with the help of his heightened remaining senses and his trusted guide dogs, a pair of German shepherds named Schnucke and Driest. The result is an expertly plotted and compellingly unique mix of classic noir and wartime spy thriller. Half the fun here is always just watching all the ingenious methods that Maclain employs to overcome his disability and uncover clues missed by the sighted characters.