The adventures of Paul Pry

by Erle Stanley Gardner

This is a recent reissue/collection of a set of short stories Gardner sold to pulp magazines in the early 30's. From Google Books: "Paul Pry, one of Gardner’s least-known and strangest characters is showcased here. He picks ‘Mugs’ Magoo out of the gutter and forma a partnership which makes the big shots of the underworld look pathetic."