In 1933 Gardner published his first novel: “The Case of the Velvet Claw”. It featured something previously unknown to detective fiction, a crime-solving lawyer. Perry Mason became an instant hit, and by the mid-1930’s Gardner would leave the law to write full time. In all, he would write 82 novels featuring Perry Mason.

Judge Charles Blackstock, son of Orestes Orr’s partner Nehamiah Blackstock, said of Gardner: “I am sure he would have become as famous as a lawyer as he has become famous as a writer...Erle Stanley Gardner possesses one of the most brilliant minds I have ever known...”

As a writer he brought the world of the courtroom to the public in ways that educated and entertained them. Gardner passed away at his Temecula ranch in 1970, shortly after finishing his 150th novel.