Danger with Grainger: Triple X Murders (EP4826)

Summary

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The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

"Danger with Grainger: Triple X Murders" (EP4826)

Air Date: October 20, 2025
Host: Adam Graham

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Episode Overview

In this episode, host Adam Graham presents an installment of "Danger with Grainger," focusing on "The Triple X Murders." Listeners are taken on a suspenseful ride into a 1950s-era detective drama, where Steve Granger investigates a string of killings marked by the murderer’s signature: three lipstick X’s on each victim's forehead. After the episode, Adam offers commentary on the performances, the plot's construction, and the challenges of creating convincing cross-cultural radio dramas.

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Major Story Beats & Discussion Points

1. Discovery of the Triple X Murders

Time: 03:23–04:46

• The episode opens with Steve Granger receiving a call from Graham Dwyer, who claims to have discovered two bodies ("just youngsters") in a car at Pelham Bay Park.
• The trademark three X's, made with lipstick, are found on each victim—a chilling hallmark of the killer.
  • Quote (Steve Granger, 04:16): “Hey, what's the matter, Officer? We're in for a lot of grief. You look at these marks made by a lipstick. Three X's.”

2. Steve Granger Takes the Case

Time: 04:46–07:15

• Granger is approached by Mrs. Martha Morton to help clear her son John, who is under suspicion for the murders.
• John had motive (spurned after losing a coin toss for a date), and circumstantial evidence (shoe and tire prints) aligns with him, but Granger senses reasonable doubt.
  • Quote (Lieutenant Harding, 07:09): "Shoes can be similar. Cut it out. We matched the tires on Morton's car with some tire prints. They were alike, too."

3. John Morton’s Account & Police Investigation

Time: 07:16–08:44

• Granger visits John at police headquarters. John insists on his innocence, explaining he found the bodies but panicked and drove away when the police arrived.
• Granger finds the boy “too logical” a suspect—suspects perhaps a setup or misdirection.

4. Graham Dwyer, Amateur Criminologist

Time: 08:58-09:31

• Dwyer offers to work with Granger, claiming special interest in crime as an amateur criminologist and reasserting John’s innocence.
  • Quote (Graham Dwyer, 09:10): “I offered my services to the Lieutenant here, but he’s refused them. I happen to be interested in crime. I’m an amateur criminologist.”

5. Attack on Granger and Further Investigations

Time: 09:35–13:32

• Granger is nearly shot outside his office; the attacker flees by car.
• He interviews Anna Long, who was with John Morton the night of the murders, but gains no conclusive evidence.
• Police reveal the attack car was stolen, frustrating further leads.
  • Quote (Steve Granger, 13:01): “I’m afraid it won’t make you happy. We checked with the car owner. He left his keys in the car. It disappeared naturally, and it’s still missing.”

6. The Second Triple X Murder and John’s Exoneration

Time: 15:05–16:44

• Dwyer alerts Granger to a new “triple X” murder (this time, a single female victim), which occurs while John is still in custody. This development proves John couldn’t be the killer.
  • Quote (Graham Dwyer, 15:25): “There’s been another 3x murder.”

7. Collaboration, Clues, and Police Frustration

Time: 16:44–18:33

• Granger is instructed to keep John Morton out of trouble but encourages Dwyer to investigate the latest victim’s home (to keep him occupied).
• Granger and Lieutenant Harding discuss the psychological profile of the murderer—an egotist seeking attention.

8. A Trap for the Triple X Killer

Time: 18:33–19:55

• Granger proposes staging a fake 3x killing with police help to lure the real killer, suggesting that the murderer is obsessed with credit for his crimes.
  • Quote (Steve Granger, 19:07): “The 3x killer must be an egomaniac. He loves to see his trademark written up in the papers. Now, suppose somebody comes along and claims to be the 3x killer. The real one gets jealous.”

9. The Climax: The Killer Revealed

Time: 21:11–24:23

• During the staged police operation in the park, Dwyer reveals himself as the original Triple X killer, exposing his ego and need for recognition.
  • Quote (Graham Dwyer, 24:03): “Because I happen to be the original 3X. It was I, you understand?”
• Granger and the police foil Dwyer’s possible attack; he’s wounded and arrested.

10. Aftermath and Reflection

Time: 24:23–25:53

• Harding and Granger debrief. Dwyer’s apartment is found full of crime memorabilia, showing his deep-seated mania.
  • Quote (Harding, 25:23): “He’s insane. When we raided his apartment, we found it was a storehouse of information on murder. Finally went to his head.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Hey, what's the matter, Officer? We're in for a lot of grief. You look at these marks made by a lipstick. Three X's."
  — Steve Granger (04:16)
• “Shoes can be similar. Cut it out. We matched the tires on Morton's car with some tire prints. They were alike, too.”
  — Lieutenant Harding (07:09)
• “I’m afraid it won’t make you happy. We checked with the car owner. He left his keys in the car. It disappeared naturally, and it’s still missing.”
  — Lieutenant Harding (13:01)
• “The 3x killer must be an egomaniac. He loves to see his trademark written up in the papers. Now, suppose somebody comes along and claims to be the 3x killer. The real one gets jealous.”
  — Steve Granger (19:07)
• “Because I happen to be the original 3X. It was I, you understand?”
  — Graham Dwyer (24:03)

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Host Adam Graham's Commentary & Additional Insights

Reflections on the Episode

Time: 26:24–29:00

• Adam Graham notes the sharp banter, especially Harding’s put-downs of Granger, reminiscent of classic radio character Sergeant Corbett.
• Observes that the actor playing Dwyer evokes Dink Trout’s style, though Trout himself could not have played the part.
• Graham critiques the mystery's predictability: “I was kind of suspicious of [Dwyer] from the beginning, but then I was certain of it... a lot of this episode was obvious in terms of where the solution was going.”
• Praises the episode’s entertainment value but recognizes its lack of subtlety in concealing the villain’s identity.

Discussion on Cultural Portrayal & Accents

• Adam reads and responds to listener feedback regarding American and British accents in old-time radio dramas, highlighting the challenges of capturing authentic dialogue across cultures.
  • Quote (Adam Graham, 27:20): “It does illustrate the challenge of trying to write about another culture in a way that will be believable.”
• Comments on how these challenges persist, even as technology closes cultural gaps.

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Key Timestamps

• Opening & Case Set-Up: 03:23–05:24
• John Morton’s Alibi & Interview: 07:16–08:44
• Attack on Granger: 09:35–10:53
• Another Triple X Murder & John Exonerated: 15:05–16:44
• Granger Proposes the Trap: 18:33–19:55
• The Trap & Dwyer’s Confession: 21:11–24:23
• Host Commentary and Listener Feedback: 26:24–29:00

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Tone and Style

• The episode carries the dramatic urgency and clipped dialogue of 1950s audio detective fiction, punctuated by Granger’s wry asides.
• Adam Graham’s commentary provides a blend of analytical reflection and affectionate humor, appealing to fans of classic detective stories and radio history.

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Summary

“Triple X Murders” exemplifies the classic private detective audio drama: an atmospheric park slaying, a falsely accused suspect, and a psychologically driven killer ultimately revealed by his own pride. The episode is entertaining, though its central twist is anticipated early by attentive listeners. Adam Graham’s post-show musings enrich the episode with insights into old-time radio production and cultural authenticity. Overall, a satisfying listen for fans drawn to vintage mysteries, radio history, and podcast nostalgia.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Danger with Granger. But first I do want to let you know that if you are enjoying the podcast, you can follow us using your favorite podcast software. And also today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. And I do want to welcome our latest Patreon supporter supporting us at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support Tim. And again, support the podcast over at patreon.greatdetectives.net and on a one home basis at support.greatdetectives.net well now, from 1956 or 1957, here is the Triple X Murders.

[Steve Granger]

Danger with Granger Police Department.

[Graham Dwyer]

This is Graham Dwyer. I'M calling from a truck store in Ampere McDonough, on the edge of Pelham Bay Park. Get a police car out here immediately. Oh, here I am, officer. I'm the man who called.

[Steve Granger]

You said something about bodies.

[Graham Dwyer]

Yes. I was walking along one of the drives. I found them in a car.

[Steve Granger]

Get in, mister. Show us where.

[Graham Dwyer]

It's this road to the right. A red convertible. It's parked right along. Oh, there. There it is, just up ahead.

[Steve Granger]

One girl.

[Graham Dwyer]

They're just youngsters.

[Steve Granger]

Both been shot. How'd you happen to find them, fella?

[Graham Dwyer]

Oh, I told you. I was walking here in the park. It's a nice night. I happened to look in. At first I thought they were just sitting. Sort of connection. Yes. Then I took a closer look. That's when I ran to the drugstore and called.

[Steve Granger]

Hey, what's the matter, Officer? We're in for a lot of grief. You look at these marks made by a lipstick. Three X's.

[Graham Dwyer]

This must be the work of some. Some fiend.

[Steve Granger]

This is Steve Granger, private detective with a story about a killer with a trademark, a triple X, which meant murder plus mania. In just a moment, I'll take you back to one of my most interesting cases. This is Granger. I was sitting in my office reading the paper. An account of a twin killing in Pelham Bay park the night before a killing signed by three X's. On the forehead of each body was the sort of case that gave you a cold, creepy feeling in spite of the fact that the sun was shining outside. Then my door opened.

[Graham Dwyer]

Mr. Granger. Mr. Granger, I've come to you for help. I need you.

[Steve Granger]

Sit down, ma'. Am.

[Graham Dwyer]

Thank you. I'm Martha Morton. I want you to try to exonerate my son John.

[Steve Granger]

Why was he done?

[Graham Dwyer]

You haven't read that entire story in your paper, Mr. Granger. You wouldn't ask that. What? John is in jail. He's under suspicion of being the 3x killer. But he couldn't have committed those murders. I know he couldn't.

[Steve Granger]

Why not?

[Graham Dwyer]

He's just not that sort of boy. I know I've not been able to give him all the time he should have had. But he's not the kind of boy to do anything as horrible as that.

[Steve Granger]

You could be wrong, you know, Mrs. Morton.

[Graham Dwyer]

No, I'm not wrong. That's why I want your help.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Okay.

[Steve Granger]

I'll drop down and have a talk with him. I see he's being held downtown.

[Graham Dwyer]

Oh, Mr. Granger, please.

[Steve Granger]

If you take it easy, Mrs. Morton. If he's innocent. He won't be convicted. I grabbed some transportation and went down to police headquarters. I explained my errand and was ushered into the office of Lieutenant Mike Harding. Granger. I think you picked a bad one this time. Why? What have you got on young Morton? Everything. A girl came to us early this morning. She was scared to death, hysterical. She wanted protection. From whom? And why? The dead girl and boy were both friends of hers. They all had a date last night. The dead girl forgot about a second date she had with the Morton boy. Both boys showed up. They tossed a coin. Morton lost. He went away angry with the girl who later reported him. That's still not proof of murder. The lab man made some casts around the car. They fit the boy's shoes. Shoes can be similar. Cut it out. We matched the tires on Morton's car with some tire prints. They were alike, too. I want to go talk with him, Mike. Okay. Come on. How's the kid? Impress you? Oh, looks like a nice boy, but I've seen angel face killers before.

[Graham Dwyer]

Is.

[Steve Granger]

Yeah, she's nice, too. Yeah, this is itself right. John? I'm Steve Granger. Your mother employed me to try and get you out of this.

[Graham Dwyer]

I didn't do it. I didn't do it.

[Steve Granger]

Take it easy, kid. I'll do everything I can. What happened after you flipped the nickel and lost? I left him and went out with the other girl. The one who reported you?

[Graham Dwyer]

Yes.

[Steve Granger]

Analong. I was mad, see? I took her home early and then I drove my car around the park. Looking for the other couple? Yeah. I wanted to spoil their fun if I could.

[Graham Dwyer]

They wanted to pick a fight with the other guy.

[Steve Granger]

I didn't like him. But, Mr. Granger, I never killed them. But you did find them?

[Graham Dwyer]

Sure.

[Steve Granger]

I spotted the car parked on that side driveway. I coasted up and back so they wouldn't hear me. I wanted to see what was going on. When I got to the car, I could see there was something wrong. When I saw the three X's marked on their fire, I went home as.

[Graham Dwyer]

Fast as I could.

[Steve Granger]

Why didn't you notify the police? Well, I was going, too, but just as I got back in my own car, I heard the sirens. I got out of there.

[Graham Dwyer]

I guess I lost my head.

[Steve Granger]

Yeah. Yeah, I guess you did. Okay, John, try and relax. I'll do what I can. Howdy. I think you've got the boy wrong. He's got a pretty straight story, but no witness. Did you paraphen his hands? Granger, you stick to your business and let me Stick to mine. I know the routine.

[Graham Dwyer]

Okay, okay.

[Steve Granger]

No offense. After all, he's the logical suspect, isn't him? Yeah, maybe too logical. Anything else I can do, or will you permit me to go about my own affairs?

[Graham Dwyer]

Oh, Lieutenant Harding. I've been waiting for you. But I want to help that poor boy.

[Steve Granger]

I wish you two would go someplace and get lost. Oh, Granger. This is Graham Dwyer. Steve Granger. According to the papers, you found the body.

[Graham Dwyer]

Yes, I did, but I don't believe that youngster did the killing. I offered my services to the Lieutenant here, but he's refused them. I happen to be interested in crime. I'm an amateur criminologist.

[Steve Granger]

I see. Well, so long, Hawty.

[Graham Dwyer]

One moment, Granger. Has the boy's mother retained you?

[Steve Granger]

Suppose she has?

[Graham Dwyer]

Then why can't we work together? My work will be free.

[Steve Granger]

Of course, you know Granger. That's an excellent suggestion. Just a second, Hy. Then I'll have both of you Sherlocks out of my hair. I got away from Grand Wire by simply telling him to get in touch with me later at my office, a place I'd try not to be at that time. I nodded so long at him, left the building and grabbed a cab uptown. Thanks, driver. Keep the change. I move towards the entrance of my. I'll continue with this interesting story in a minute. When the shots came, I dropped to the sidewalk fast. You got to be pretty fast on the fall in my profession. I lay there waiting for some more shots, but they never came. Only the sound of a car roaring off. I could look at the license plates and made it in a hurry to my telephone.

[Graham Dwyer]

How are you speaking?

[Steve Granger]

This is Granger. Listen, the guy just took a potshot at me from a car. I got the license number. Can you check the owner for me?

[Graham Dwyer]

Sure. You think it's about the 3x coming?

[Steve Granger]

How do I know? I'm no prophet.

[Graham Dwyer]

You're not much of a private eye, either.

[Steve Granger]

While waiting for Harding to call back, I studied the newspaper account of the 3x killing. The police had only one suspect, and that was John Morton. I hoped I could dig up an alibi for him because the law was going to be tough about this. I'd got the address of the girl who put the finger on John Morton. Her name was Anna Long. I decided a talk with her was in order. Anna Long lived on Colonial Avenue, adjacent Pelham Bay Park. I phoned, told her I'd be out.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Yes?

[Steve Granger]

You're Anna Long? I'm Steve Granger, the man who phoned.

[Graham Dwyer]

Oh, yes, come on in, Mr. Granger.

[Steve Granger]

Thanks.

[Graham Dwyer]

You said it was about John?

[Steve Granger]

Yeah. I want you to tell me everything you know about him.

[Graham Dwyer]

Well, he always acted awfully sweet. I liked him.

[Steve Granger]

Then why did you report him to.

[Graham Dwyer]

The police that night? He was sort of different. He wanted that date with Mel. And he was terribly upset when Tommy showed up.

[Steve Granger]

Did he make any threats?

[Graham Dwyer]

No, he just grumbled about it always being evil accurate or something like that.

[Steve Granger]

You said he acted different. What do you mean by that?

[Graham Dwyer]

Well, we rode around and then we stopped off for soda at the corner. And John wouldn't talk or anything. Then he took me home just like that. Didn't even say good night.

[Steve Granger]

You think he could have killed his two friends?

[Graham Dwyer]

They didn't like Tommy at all. And he was crazy jealous of Nell.

[Steve Granger]

The talk with Annalong brought out nothing. There was no way of establishing an alibi for John Morton since he'd been driving around alone. I thanked the girl, left the house and started down the street in search of a cab. I walked along, enjoying the clear weather. I hardly noticed the car as I came up to was facing me. I dropped to the ground, but not until I got a good look at that driver. He was wearing a gray hat, glasses and a mustache. I got something else, too. The license number on the plates. The same as before. Well, honey?

[Graham Dwyer]

Sure, sure. I've got a make on the card for you, Granger.

[Steve Granger]

Thanks. You took your time about it, didn't you?

[Graham Dwyer]

Mr. Manning comes.

[Steve Granger]

You nervous? I just don't like being shot at. You want protection?

[Graham Dwyer]

I'd be glad to assign a uniformed officer to bodyguard.

[Steve Granger]

Watch the comedy and give me the information.

[Graham Dwyer]

I'm afraid it won't make you happy. We checked with the car owner. He left his keys in the car. It disappeared naturally, and it's still missing.

[Steve Granger]

Thanks. There's one thing about you, Mike. You're always useful. About as useful as a nylon shirt in a blizzard. As I hung up the phone, a thought struck me. The man who'd fired at me from the car had fired high. Vincey had a perfect sight on me. He apparently was just trying to scare me off the Morton case. The trouble was he was practically succeeding. In just a moment, I'll bring you the climax of the case. On my way back to my office, I passed pretty near to Cal Hendricks place. Since I was getting nowhere fast with this case and since Cal has more than once been able to help that I'd pay him a call. Well, well. In trouble again, Steve? What do you mean again? I'm just a sucker for strife. Read about the 3x killer, Steve? I'm working on it. That Morton kid, I don't think he did it. Thanks. You're my first friend today. A kid like that might kill an anger, but when they start marking their corpses with three X's on the forehead, look for a psychopathic murderer, you'll just point him out to me. I can save Mrs. Morton a lot of heartbreak. This is one time I can be of no help. I thought I'd probably find you here. Gringer. Wow.

[Graham Dwyer]

Well, well.

[Steve Granger]

The boy lieutenant from Homicide. All right, that's enough. Hendricks here. You're holding an innocent kid. Now, look here, don't kneel in Cal. Lieutenant has high blood pressure. What do you want with me? Sir? That Graham Dwyer, remember him? He said that now you and he were working together, you'd have a startling revelation to make by morning. Oh, he said that, did he? Is it true? No, Mike. It'll make you feel better, is it not?

[Graham Dwyer]

Thanks.

[Steve Granger]

Even if my feet are sore. That no was worth the trip up here. I left Cal's place, went to my office and reported to Mrs. Morton. Well, I couldn't encourage it too much. I could insinuate I was getting a break on the case at midnight. I got it. Hello, Granger.

[Graham Dwyer]

Have you been listening to the radio?

[Steve Granger]

No. Who is this?

[Graham Dwyer]

Well, this is Graham Dwyer, the man who's working with you, remember?

[Steve Granger]

Oh, yeah.

[Graham Dwyer]

I just heard it over the radio, Granger. And it definitely proves that John Morton didn't kill that boy and girl. What?

[Steve Granger]

Proves what? What are you talking about?

[Graham Dwyer]

There's been another 3x murder.

[Steve Granger]

Say that again.

[Graham Dwyer]

The report. It just came over the radio.

[Steve Granger]

Same place. Pelham Park.

[Graham Dwyer]

Sure. This time it was only a woman.

[Steve Granger]

Only, huh?

[Graham Dwyer]

She was shot once and Matilda marked three X's on the forehead with a lipstick.

[Steve Granger]

I've got an idea.

[Graham Dwyer]

I'll come over and pick you up, then we can go right out there.

[Steve Granger]

There's no sense in doing that, Dwyer. By this time, the police have removed the body. The examination will be over just the same.

[Graham Dwyer]

It does prove that the boy didn't commit the murders.

[Steve Granger]

Okay, okay. I'll get dressed, go down and get him out if I can.

[Graham Dwyer]

Excellent. I'll be over at your office first thing in the morning.

[Steve Granger]

Why?

[Graham Dwyer]

I'm going to help you catch the real 3x killer.

[Steve Granger]

Wow. Thanks. Thanks a lot. I hung up on that nauseating prospect and mulled this latest development over in my mind. Then I got into my clothes and went down to the morgue. Lieutenant Harding was there ahead of Me? As ugly as a bear with a singed tail. I might have known you'd show up. Sure, this sort of clears my client's son, doesn't it? Don't be in such a hurry. Have you identified the murdered woman? In her purse she carried a driver's license, a hotel credit card and a birth certificate.

[Graham Dwyer]

Now, have we?

[Steve Granger]

Don't be so grumpy, Mike. This means you'll have to release that kid. Yes. His mother will be down here with a writ. I'll have to let him go, but.

[Graham Dwyer]

That doesn't mean he won't still be out.

[Steve Granger]

Find any clues in the park? Footprints. Millions of them. Made by the curious public as they trampled the place like a bull ring. Anything of the dead woman's effect?

[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

No.

[Steve Granger]

Newspapers are going to get on you, aren't they, Mike Granger? Don't needle me. This isn't funny. Murder never is. At 10 the next morning, I was reading the account of the latest murder when my pal walked in.

[Graham Dwyer]

Well, Mr. Granger, here I am, just as I promised.

[Steve Granger]

I've been waiting with bated breath, Dwyer. Good.

[Graham Dwyer]

Now, here's what we can do. Go out to that dead woman's place and look around.

[Steve Granger]

Dwyer. Just a minute. The police have done that already, but.

[Graham Dwyer]

They could have missed something.

[Steve Granger]

Pardon me. Granger.

[Graham Dwyer]

Mr. Granger, this is Mrs. Martin. I called to tell you that John is home.

[Steve Granger]

Yeah, I know. He'd been released.

[Graham Dwyer]

I'm so happy. I don't know what to say. Mr. Granger.

[Steve Granger]

Let me advise you, Mrs. Morton, keep John where you can watch him for a while. The police still have him under suspicion.

[Graham Dwyer]

I shall. I'm sending you a check in the mail.

[Steve Granger]

Don't bother. I didn't do a thing. But Mr. Granger, real killer cleared your boy. Goodbye.

[Graham Dwyer]

That was Mrs. Morton.

[Steve Granger]

Yes.

[Graham Dwyer]

I knew that boy wasn't guilty from the very first. The real 3x killer is a clever.

[Steve Granger]

Man, not a kid.

[Graham Dwyer]

Now, why don't we go out to that woman's place?

[Steve Granger]

I want to, but I can't wire. But why don't you go out and look around? Use my name if you want to.

[Graham Dwyer]

Thank you.

[Steve Granger]

And if anything breaks about another killing, we'll investigate it together.

[Graham Dwyer]

Right, Granger. That's a deal.

[Steve Granger]

It was such a logical way of losing Graham Dwyer. I took it in a hurry. Also, he would do no more harm snooping around Pelham Bay park during the morning. A few minutes after he left, I went down to see Lt. Harding. He still hadn't been to bed. Don't you start anything this morning, gumshoe. Now take it easy, Mike. You're losing your perspective.

[Graham Dwyer]

Have you seen the papers?

[Steve Granger]

If we don't do something about this 3x killer, I'll lose more than my perspective, my job. I said take it easy.

[Graham Dwyer]

All I need now is that nutty Dwyer character around.

[Steve Granger]

I got rid of him. I sent him out to Pelham Bay. Look for clues. I hope he falls in the lake. Howdy. Have you ever figured that you're dealing with a psychopathic killer?

[Graham Dwyer]

I figured everything.

[Steve Granger]

But he's still loose. I think I know how we can catch him. We? And what have you got to do with it? Figured I could help you trap him. Now, Granger, if this is another stunt. Listen, will you? Well, go on. The 3x killer must be an egomaniac. He loves to see his trademark written up in the papers. Now, suppose somebody comes along and claims to be the 3x killer. A real one gets jealous. You'll want to get even with a fake one. In short, you want me to take my gun, murder an innocent citizen to.

[Graham Dwyer]

Make it look like a 3x killing.

[Steve Granger]

You don't have to go as far as that. You can get hold of a body, can't you? Of an unidentified woman.

[Graham Dwyer]

Are you nuts?

[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

No.

[Steve Granger]

You set up the whole thing. Get a police officer and a policewoman to stage it. The woman is found dead after being shot by the 3x killer. The wagon comes up and takes her down here. Nobody knows if she's alive or dead. And in the meantime, the real 3x killer pops up in Times Square. It's a chance you'll have to take. Me?

[Graham Dwyer]

I thought it was going to be weird.

[Steve Granger]

Harding demurred with every demur he could dig up. But I finally reasoned him into it and he agreed it was one way the 3x killer could be brought into the open. That night, just before midnight, the supposed killing took place. The police woman, posing as a casual pedestrian was walking down one of the drives. A man slipped up behind her. The woman staggered to the grass and dropped. The man ran between some trees and disappeared. Two plain clothes men ran out with the body of the woman brought from the morgue. A woman wearing three X's on a forehead. They placed her where the fake shooting had taken place while the policewoman slipped out of sight. The stage was set just as Harding and I had planned. The radio at midnight came out with the news that another 3x killing had taken place.

[Graham Dwyer]

Yeah, this is claimed wire. Have you heard?

[Steve Granger]

I just going to call you.

[Graham Dwyer]

We're going out there. We'll Pick you up in five minutes. The radio said it was the left.

[Steve Granger]

Drive spots right up ahead. See the police cars?

[Graham Dwyer]

Mine. My, this one really attracted a crowd.

[Steve Granger]

Pull up here. We can walk this time.

[Graham Dwyer]

We'll pick up the clues.

[Steve Granger]

We can come up with the 3X killer something too. Sure.

[Graham Dwyer]

See, Lieutenant Harding's on the job.

[Steve Granger]

Yeah, that poor guy hasn't slept for three days. You say you're walking right along here?

[Graham Dwyer]

Yes, officer.

[Steve Granger]

Ah, hiya, Lieutenant Granger. Don't tell me you're. What did you bring him along for?

[Graham Dwyer]

We're going to find the 3x killer for you.

[Steve Granger]

You're going to mind your own business or be locked up.

[Graham Dwyer]

You can't do that. I'm a law abiding citizen.

[Steve Granger]

You get in our way, you'll be obstructing justice. Now behave. You, mister, Go on with your story. I was quite a ways down the drive when I heard the shark. You see the man who fired it?

[Graham Dwyer]

I think so.

[Steve Granger]

Good enough to describe him? Yes, I believe so.

[Graham Dwyer]

He was wearing a dark suit. His hat was gray colored. He had a decided limp.

[Steve Granger]

Anything else? He ran over into those trees. Harding looked at me and one eyelid dropped in a surreptitious wink. I nodded. A few minutes later, a man wearing a dark blue suit, gray hat and sporting a decided limp was moving through those trees. Nobody except the police. And I knew that this had all been rehearsed. That both the witness and the man with the limp were really police officers. I looked around carefully, hoping to spot anyone who looked suspicious. Then I discovered something. Something that sent me on the heels of the man posing as the 3X killer. It was not so light now and I had difficulty spotting my quarry. Then he loomed up ahead, the limp as evident as ever. I stayed behind, just a little out of sight. The phony murderer was being obvious also. He was taking a chance because some civic minded citizen might shoot first and ask later. Then another figure slipped out of a clump of bushes up behind the supposed killer. The gleam of a nickel plated revolver glinted dimly. The second man prodded the first out of sight. I moved in.

[Graham Dwyer]

Don't stand there. I demand to know why you killed that woman.

[Steve Granger]

I'm the 3x killer. Okay, you caught me. Take me back there.

[Graham Dwyer]

You're the 3X killer. That's fantastic. The 300 3X killer is clever. His murders are committed without leaving traces. You're a fumbling fool.

[Steve Granger]

Find a 3x killer.

[Graham Dwyer]

You're not. This wasn't planned as a 3x killer plans. This was stupid. The 3x killer's intelligent. He uses reason. Look how he framed that boy for the twin killings in the car. That took reasoning.

[Steve Granger]

Yeah, You.

[Graham Dwyer]

You're a fake. You're trying to cash in on the publicity of the original 3x killer guy you were jealous of a success. You're the cheapest of all people. You're an imitator.

[Steve Granger]

How do you know?

[Graham Dwyer]

Because I happen to be the original 3X. It was I, you understand?

[Steve Granger]

Okay, Dwyer, put down that gun.

[Graham Dwyer]

So you fought me, Granger. You knew all the time, didn't you?

[Steve Granger]

Shut the gun. I said.

[Graham Dwyer]

Not until I take care of that feeble fake. I'm going to.

[Steve Granger]

Well, friends, that's the story. I'll be back to wrap up the case in just a minute. I merely pulled the trigger and Graham Dwyer dropped with a bullet in the leg. The officer who'd been posing as the fake killer grabbed his gun and that was that. Mike Harding asked me to meet him the following day. Have you seen the newspapers? They're playing up the hoax we pull like they know about it all the time. They're good guys. And I suppose I'll have to thank you. It was that dreamboat idea you brought in from left field that snared Dwyer. Don't bother, dear boy. It was a pleasure to get you off the hook. Yeah, I was hanging there like a flounder. What happens with Dwyer? He's insane. When we raided his apartment, we found it was a storehouse of information on murder. Finally went to his head. Well, Dwyan have a shot to kill. When he chased me around in those stolen cars, he explained that he loved making a monkey out of you. Thanks. Love being a monkey. And alive. Pardon me, Lieutenant, but they want you at the office. What for? There's been a shooting on the west side. Coming along, Granger? No, Lieutenant. This one is on you. I figure on taking a rest. A long rest. This is Steve Granger. You'll be listening to some of the most interesting cases in my files. I hope you enjoyed them. See you around sometime.

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[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

Welcome back. One thing I will say is that in terms of put downs of Granger, Lieutenant Harding in this episode delivers some that are worthy of Ken Lynch's take on Sergeant Corbett. The voice of the actor who played Dwyer reminded me a lot of Dink Trout, who played many character roles on radio throughout the 1940s. Though if you're not into old time radio, the thing that he's probably most recognized for is the voice of the King in Alice in Wonderland. Of course it wasn't Dink Trout because the Italian production and that wasn't somewhere where Trout worked. And perhaps even more relevant, trout passed away 1950. But I wonder if the actor who performed it based his performance on Trout, either from having heard him on the radio at some point or seeing Alice in Wonderland or if this was a voice he typically used. As for the mystery itself, I'm not certain if it could have been made more obvious that Dwyer was the killer. I was kind of suspicious of him a little bit from the beginning, but then I was certain of it after the initial suspect was cleared and he started making comments about the XXX killer being a clever man, that he was definitely the guy. So a lot of this episode was obvious in terms of where the solution was going. Alright, listener comments and feedback now starting out on Spotify, mechanic66 writes regarding the episode the Rainy Day Murder. Good one though Pat was a bit annoying. And then I have an email from Lawrence who writes, never mind the I in Granger or Granger, I wish the Oz folks would have would have learned to pronounce the American way of the word garage instead of garage. Continued success. And on a similar note, Reinzer said over on YouTube regarding the episode Hired Help Yanks don't say garage that way. Well, thanks so much and a fair point. And it does illustrate the challenge of trying to write about another culture in a way that will be believable. And certainly given the intention of having this syndicated in the States, it was important to make it sound as naturally American as possible. But it kind of illustrates how hard it can be to write another culture believably and seamlessly to the degree that people who belong to that culture aren't going to find inconsistencies. And it's very hard to really get into the mindset totally of another culture. And I think it was even harder back in the mid-1950s because often our experience of other cultures was limited to what we saw in media, which could often be quite stereotyped. Although it should be said that Many Australians had interacted with Americans during the war, and of course, some American films had made their way over to Australia. And so there were some cultural exports that they could draw from. But there are so many finer points that can be missed. Sherbet said that American media could be far worse at the way we wrote people from other countries. British might have the best chance of getting a fair shake, but even then it'd be often way off. And of course, the British didn't do a great job of portraying us. Whenever I listen to an old BBC audio drama from, say, the 1950s or 60s, and they say, oh, let me go ahead and introduce you to my friend, he's an American, I'm like, okay, let me brace myself and just hope that they happen to cast someone who was an expat, either an American or Canadian, or we are going to be in for an adventure here in the 21st century. This has gotten a bit easier as access to other cultures and ways to understand how they live and speak have become more readily available. In fact, I've heard actors for audio dramas state that the way they prepared to play a character of an unfamiliar ethnicity is they went on to YouTube and searched for videos of how people in those countries or areas happen to speak, and we hear a lot more of each other's voices. I have to admit that the way that British people can do American accents these days is a bit uncanny, but you'll still hear occasional oddities. Like, I've heard some British productions that have had Americans say things like, I'll get that sorted, which is not something we say. It's a saying that means, I will go ahead and take care of it, solve that problem for you. But it is not a phrase I've ever heard an American use in real life or in a media production that isn't made by British people. So again, it seems like no matter how good we get at this and how much information we have, there are still things that a local is going to be able to spot and say, hey, wait a minute. But thanks so much. I do appreciate the comment, Lawrence. Well, now it is time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the day. And I want to thank Ken, Patreon supporter Since March of 2020, currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Ken. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software.