1949 Doug Selby (D.A.)

The D.A. Breaks an Egg

Prosecution Doug Selby (District Attorney)
Investigator Sheriff Rex Brandon

Case Narrative & Plot Summary

A burglary at a local jewelry store leads to a homicide at a motor court and an apparent suicide. A broken egg found on the kitchen floor holds the secret to an airtight alibi.

Courtroom Cross-Examination & Forensic Trick

Selby calculates the drying rate of egg yolk protein under ambient desert temperatures to demolish A.B. Carr's timeline.

Editorial & Context Notes

The ultimate courtroom showdown between Doug Selby and A.B. Carr, concluding Gardner's beloved D.A. series.