Such is Death

This Carolus Deene mystery opens unpromisingly with a madman planning a perfect, motiveless murder. Things pick up, however, with the entrance of history teacher and amateur sleuth Deene. On questioning the witnesses and family of the late Ernest Rafter, Deene uncovers more motives than he can handle. Did one of Rafter's prominent family do in the black sheep? Was it the revenge of a war veteran, who had suffered when Rafter collaborated with the Japanese in Burma? Or might the murder have occurred during a simple robbery? Bruce is particularly good at sketching dank, foggy Selby-on-Sea and its inhabitants and visitors, who are variously close-mouthed, cranky and full of hot air. With a light touch, he sets up theories and knocks them down until one fits. A pleasant, clever mystery. (May)