Murder Off Key: The Songbird’s Scales and a Framed Stranger

Originally Aired: November 15, 1945

In Suspense #167, “Murder Off Key,” Frederick Carlson arrives in New York to stay at a friend’s apartment, only to be tormented by the nightly shrieks of a delusional would-be soprano, Violet Pondecker. But when Violet is found strangled and her jewels stolen, Carlson becomes the prime suspect—trapped by circumstantial evidence, a vanished dog, and a cunning detective with a soft voice. As Carlson fights to clear his name, he discovers that his host Morley has orchestrated a perfect frame-up, using even Violet’s dreadful “Roses of Picardy” scales as a weapon. A tense urban thriller where every note tightens the noose.

Cast: Zachary Scott

Tags: Suspense, thriller, ZacharyScott, oldtimeradio, NewYork, frameup, murdermystery, femmevoice, 1940sradio, deception, classicdrama, noir, suspensepodcast