The Secret of Annexe 3

In the British author's latest, his admirable Inspector Morse and Sergeant Lewis investigate a murder committed on New Year's Eve at a hotel in Oxford. Three couples are housed in the hotel annex, and one man, winner of the prize in the fancy-dress contest, is found dead in his room. The first problem facing Morse and Lewis is locating the other five guests, including the victim's wife, all of whom have fled, having registered under fake names and addresses. The irascible inspector needs patient Lewis's calming presence more than ever since the killers seem to have carried out a deep-laid and devious plot. They are so clever that the case challenges Morse's talent for spying each tree in a forest of tricks. Engrossed in the story that Dexter tells in his witty and stylish fashion, readers will savor the mystery of the masquerade and the detecting partners' ultimate triumph. (November 23)