The Case of the Velvet Claws – Erle Stanley Gardner

California lawyer Perry Mason takes client Eva, hated as “all velvet and claws” by his secretary Della Street.

Her husband George Belter is behind tabloid editor Locke, blackmail of Congressman Harrison Burke at bungled robbery with Eva, and takes a bullet to the heart after a bath. Forged will benefits nephew Carl, engaged to secretive housekeeper Veitch’s daughter.