First published in the US in 1956, ''Two-Thirds of a Ghost'' is a psychological mystery highly regarded for its biting, satirical commentary on the mid-century American book publishing industry and literary culture. The story centers around Amos Cottle, an eccentric, ex-alcoholic author who has shocked the literary world by publishing four consecutive best-sellers in just four years. Because he is a highly lucrative "property," his protective publisher, Tony Kane, and his literary agent work tirelessly to manage his chaotic life—going so far as to banish his troublesome, money-hungry ex-wife, Vera, to Hollywood. The peace is shattered when Vera unexpectedly returns. During a sophisticated cocktail party hosted at Kane's Connecticut country estate, an unseen hand slips cyanide into Cottle's drink, killing him instantly. Dr. Basil Willing, a forensic psychiatrist and routine sleuth for the New York police, happens to be a guest at the party. Upon investigating the murder, Willing quickly realizes that the elfin, erratic Amos Cottle was not the man his book jacket-flap biography claimed he was.
