Dover Beats the Band: A Detective Chief Inspector Wilfred Dover Novel

Chief inspector Wilfred Dover ( Dover and the Claret Tappers ) of Scotland Yard continues to wreak havoc in this hilarious mystery. The immolated body of a middle-aged man discovered in a Muncaster garbage dump propels the inspector and his whipping boy, detective sergeant MacGregor, on a lurching investigation. A blue bead found in the stomach of the deceased leads the duo to Rankin's Holiday Ranch at Bowerville-by-the-sea, where the dead man took his last supper at a conference held by the Steel Band, a terrorist group of which the victim was a member. Just when Dover and MacGregor find the link between the killing and the organization, the Special Branch squelches the case. Ever watchful for a chance to advance himself, Dover (who, despite evidence to the contrary, has a good brain) forges ahead to solve the case. Broad wit, sharp insight and a thrilling denouement give this comedy real punch. (May)