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SWEET AND HOT

·43 min·4 clips

Fred Forrester panics when asked to mix chemicals, revealing he killed his uncle.

This episode is a recreation of a 1941-1944 radio drama about newspaper columnist Anne Rogers and her assistant, Spritely Poole. The story, "Sweet and Hot," follows Anne and Spritely as they witness a deadly fire at the mansion of a chemical tycoon, Will Forrester. Detective Sergeant Adams investigates the blaze as a potential homicide, focusing on Forrester's nephew, Henry Beeler, who was seen fleeing the scene. Anne and Spritely were walking with Officer Mulligan in a wealthy neighborhood when they spotted the fire at the Forrester home. They identified Henry Beeler running from the area, though he claimed he was heading to a fire alarm box. The investigation reveals Fred Forrester, the other nephew, had a perfect alibi in Philadelphia. The arson squad's Lieutenant Spinelli finds only traces of sulfur and potassium, indicating simple matches were used. Anne remains unconvinced of Henry's guilt, noting the victim never cried for help during the fire. Anne recalls seeing the postman, Ralph Harkwell—a former rival ruined by Will Forrester—on the porch earlier. Confronting Harkwell, they spill his mailbag and discover spilled sugar, which Anne connects to the crime. She consults a chemist and learns sugar mixed with certain cough drop chemicals can create an explosive when combined with acid. Anne stages a demonstration in her office with Fred Forrester, Henry Beeler, and Harkwell present, asking each to mix the ingredients. Fred refuses, knowing the danger, thereby exposing himself as the murderer. Fred confesses he killed his uncle the day before and set a delayed chemical reaction to start the fire, mailing the components to the house. He attempts to attack Anne with what he believes is acid, but she substituted tinted water as a precaution. Fred is subdued and dies in the struggle. The method required precise chemical knowledge, which Fred possessed as the company's office manager. Anne concludes that while the plan was nearly perfect, the criminal's panic under pressure led to his downfall. The tone is a classic, suspenseful audio drama with a noir-inspired mystery plot. The style is narrative-driven, featuring rapid dialogue, sound effects, and theatrical vocal performances. Listeners who enjoy old-time radio mysteries, clever whodunits, and strong female protagonists will love this episode. Those who prefer modern, fast-paced audio production or non-fiction podcasts might find the vintage style less engaging.

As heard by us

A brisk vintage radio mystery that turns an opened letter into a murder inquiry.

Sweet and Hot gives Anne Rogers a neat old-radio mystery built around a registered letter that arrives opened and resealed, a suspicious young artist, and an inquiry that keeps sliding from arson toward murder.

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Why you'd press play

A 1943 radio mystery where a reopened letter pulls Anne Rogers into a case of arson and possible murder.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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