British author James (Wolves of Memories
) creates such memorable characters in his full-length mystery novels about Det. Chief Constable Colin Harpur and his immediate superior, Asst. Chief Constable Desmond Iles, who work in an unnamed British city north of London, that they quickly come alive even in short stories. This collection contains three new Harpur & Iles tales, plus a couple of previously published adaptations from novels, reprints of several stories about other characters, even a short, tone-setting poem. All are literate, often jaunty, always interesting examples of the work of a first-rate author. Fans will enjoy reading the more delicious passages aloud. (Nov.)
