Death to Go/an Inspector Bill Slider Mystery

A severed finger found in a portion of french fries leads Detective Inspector Bill Slider on a hunt for a murderer, an investigation thwarted by the disappearance of several key witnesses

This witty, intricate puzzle by the author of Orchestrated Death begins as a supposed crime passionelle. But each new kernel of evidence reveals an increasingly complex web of criminal intrigue. Detective Inspector Bill Slider is called on when a teenager finds a human finger among the fried potatoes she ordered at a London fish-and-chips shop. Body parts continue to surface as events expand to include a sinister business tycoon, a prostitutes' rooming house, three mysterious Asians, an odd mix of gay men and five murders. The reader is often a jump ahead of Slider--but only one jump, so surprises abound. While struggling with the case, Slider is occupied with a maddening new boss and a personal crisis pitting his passionate devotion to his violinist mistress against his responsibility to his wife and family. Fortunately he can lean on his reliable colleague, the discreet and dapper Atherton, who always has a ready ear and an apt pun for even the most gruesome occasions.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Cross Ed McBain with Charles Willeford, set the action in London, and you'll have a feel for the third Detective Inspector Bill Slider mystery. A schoolgirl, playing a little hooky, stops in a small fish-and-chips shop for a snack. Mixed among the fries is a human finger. Since the only person working has 10 digits, Slider suspects foul play. When a search of the garbage behind the shop reveals a bag of human hamburger, his suspicions are confirmed. The obvious suspect is the digitally intact owner, but the case becomes much more complex. As Slider attempts to piece together (sorry) the identity of the victim, he must also deal with a new martinet of a boss, his unsalvageable marriage, and his relationship with true love Joanna. Murder provides the foundation for this extraordinary novel, but, it's finally an examination of love, love lost, and the ways in which people cope with both. Highly recommended. Wes Lukowsky

Time plays several roles in this newest series title featuring British detective Bill Slider and wise-cracking co-worker Atherton ( Death Watch , LJ 1/93). Pressure to solve a gory murder forces Slider into overtime mode. The arrival of a new, boot-polishing boss raises constant reminders of the past, and lover Joanna's return from tour pushes Slider to present action. Atherton's witty ripostes continue, even with regard to the murder, which becomes more complicated as the days pass. Well written, entertaining, and recommended.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.