John Bent
Created by Henry C. Branson (1905-1981)

Just what the world needs now -- a chain-smoking, bourbon-swigging doctor P.I.!

JOHN BENT became a P.I. by accident. Originally a employee of the U.S. Intelligence Department and then a physician, he was treating a patient who had been poisoned, and had to track down the poisoner to cure his patient. Now he doesn't practice medicine anymore, he solves crimes.

He works out of somewhere in Michigan (I don't think it's ever specified) and uses his bedside manner to interrogate suspects. And all that medical background often comes in handy.

He smokes a lot, drinks a lot and grew a beard when he changed professions. Not actually that memorable character, really, but the stories are pretty good.

NOVELS

• I'll Eat You Last (1941; AKA "I'll Kill You Last")
• The Pricking Thumb (1942)
• The Fearful Passage (1943)
• Case Of The Giant Killer (1944)
• Last Year's Blood (1947)
• The Leaden Bubble (1949)
• Beggar's Choice (1953)

Respectfully submitted by Dale Stoyer.