Death of an Innocent

Publication: London, Constable & Company Limited, 1989 Formatting: 8vo, pp. 224. Condition Report: Near Fine. The binding is tightly secured and perfectly square, exhibiting sharp corners and unblemished spine ends with scarcely any shelf-wear. The text block is exceptionally crisp, featuring only the very faint, uniform edge-tanning that is standard for the paper stock of this period. The dust jacket remains highly vibrant and uncreased, with no chipping or tears, and presents beautifully in a protective clear sleeve. Catalogue Note: A true first edition of the sixth novel in Ormerod's Inspector Richard Patton mystery series. This specific copy features a presentation inscription in black ink on the title page: "To Eileen with love from Roger." The recipient was Eileen Dewhurst, a fellow prolific British mystery and crime writer whose career ran parallel to Ormerod's. Such association copies between contemporary peers in the British crime fiction scene add a notable, factual provenance to the volume. Retired Detective Inspector Richard Patton and his wife Amelia have their peaceful life interrupted when Amelia’s old college friend contacts her out of the blue. Following a mysterious burglary where seemingly nothing of value was taken, the situation quickly devolves into a complex murder investigation. Patton finds himself reluctantly pulled back into the world of crime-solving, forced to navigate academic rivalries, hidden motives, and his own loyalty to his wife's friend to uncover the truth.…