About the book: 1942 / Bass Hudston hires Wolfe to find out the identity of the one who is sending out anonymous letters discrediting her reputation. Wolfe sends Goodwin to Bass's house to scout out the situation. The atmosphere is very casual: Goodwin plays tag with a chimpanzee, trips over a live crocodile, and Bess accidentally hurts her toe on a piece of broken glass. This is on Friday, and on Tuesday Bass dies from tetanus in the wound. Wolfe suspects murder, although the police don't believe it..