Headlong: A Bill Slider Mystery

Dialogue sparkling with wit and humor lifts Harrod-Eagles’s sterling 21st mystery featuring Det. Insp. Bill Slider (after 2017’s Shadow Play). Slider, who balances his idealism with an intimate understanding of the unfairness of life, and Det. Sgt Jim Atherton, who’s his police partner but also his “bagman and friend,” look into the death of celebrated literary agent Edward Wiseman. It appears that Wiseman tumbled out of the window of his London home/office into the building excavation next door. Slider is met at the site by Cmdr. David Carpenter, who orders him to wrap things up quickly and conclude that the death was accidental in order to spare any embarrassment to the family of his wife’s cousin’s goddaughter, Calliope Hunt, a 22-year-old model who’s a new client of the deceased. However, after an examination of the scene, Slider concludes that Wiseman was murdered. What follows is an immensely enjoyable ride through London and its publishing world in the company of thoroughly relatable characters. Readers will wish for Slider’s career to continue for many years to come. [em](Feb.) [/em]