Michief by Charlotte Armstrong (Coward McCann, Inc., N.Y.) Hardcover 1950

Charlotte Armstrong was a wonderful writer whose talent was creating unforgettable character and intricate plots. In this fine story, Mr. and Mrs. Peter O. Jones are on their way to an important social function, where Mr. Jones is due to deliver a speech. Mr. Jones' sister, who was going to watch the children had to cancel, leaving the Jones with no babysitter. However, their building's elevator operator offers them his neice, Nell. Nell starts off well, but begins to make pranks calls and from there more mischief begins, at first harmless but not for long. The New York Times reviewed the book in 1950 and said that "Miss Armstrong is amazingly adroit at fusing action with character development, and at utilizing the most theatrical devices not only to thrill but to say something about Man and his world." A talented writer mainly forgotten today but still well-worth reading.