The Basket Case

When Constance Farley Rush leaves her infant son in a basket at Fr. Dowling's church, she means to accuse her ex-husband, Peter Rush, of plotting to kidnap the baby. But as McInerny's 11th mystery develops, someone kills Rush, presenting the priest and his pal, Lt. Keegan of the Fox River, Ill., police, with a knotty case of murder. Constance, her sister Liz and their mother unite to cover up the fake abduction while Keegan's officers trace clues to persons swindled by Rush, in hopes of finding his killer. Meantime the priest's investigation pays off with facts about a long-buried crime and evidence against the guilty person. As might be expected, the author's wit, his portrayal of the humane Dowling and other attractive characters, and the framework of solid plotting add up to a grand entertainment for armchair sleuths. (November 24)