Buried in Stone

It turns out that being 60 isn't any easier than being 16 for retired Toronto policeman Mel Pickett, who showed up in one of Wright's Charlie Salter novels, A Sensitive Case. What distinguishes Wright's crime writing is the wry sensitivity with which he explores the uncertainties that dog his older characters--that, and his sure way with a murder plot. Both these gifts are in evidence in this series launch. In the small town of Larch River, 150 miles north of Toronto, widower Mel has built his dream cabin from scratch, made a few good friends and gently romanced Charlotte Mercer, who runs the local diner. But full-fledged retirement and leisure are put on the back burner when Timmy Marlow is found dead. Timmy's only grieving relative is his sister Betty, girlfriend of the local cop. The cop hated Timmy's guts, as did the legions of women he loved and left. At the time of his death, Timmy had one stupid pal, a spotty job record and some money that belonged to Betty. Mel is often comically unsure of himself for a man of retirement age, and he occasionally manages to foul up his life in an effort to avoid embarrassment. But his cop's mind seldom lets him down, and the solution to the murder is a cunning one. Missing out on Charlie Salter is a high price for following Mel on the trail. But it's a price worth paying. (Mar.)