A Death in Paris: An Alex Grismolet Mystery

In this enchanting tale, composer turned author Fuller ( Passage ) sets a coterie of eccentric octogenarian WW I flying aces against the urbane skills of the modern Paris flic. ``Pudge'' Wilson, 84-year-old American wine importer and unofficial diplomat, is shot to death in the Parc de Monceau following a memorial ceremony for fallen WW I pilots of both sides. Chief Inspector Alex Grismolet of the Surete and his Lithuanian-born assistant Varnas deploy solid French police work in dealing with the stonewalling resistance of the victim's widow and two old war buddies. The unique murder weapon points down a musty trail of revenge for the 1916 war death of Wilson's brother, but Varnas's connections in the Parisian underworld suggest a more complicated and devious plot behind the murder. The case triggers Grismolet's memories of his grandfather, which neatly contrast notions of Victorian chivalry with modern perfidy and greed. The considerable charms of the fully developed cast, including Grismolet's 18-year-old ward, the ballerina Philippa, are not allowed to dilute the story's menace, although Varnas nearly steals the show. The war history and European settings also sing in this sophisticated and promising series launch. (June)