Derek Long

Porgy Bates is a none-too-bright petty criminal who dreams of being a `big shot` like Humphrey Bogart in his early gangster movies. When a workmate confides that they have a fortune in their bedsit, Porgy decides to pay a visit and appropriate it for himself. Once in the flat, he finds a map, a key - and his friend`s dead body.

His ill-thought-out attempts to avoid meeting a similar fate cause him to be accused of committing the crime himself, but bluff, no-nonsense detective Inspector Tryon has doubts. Soon Sexton Blake has been retained to carry out a second investigation. Ultimately, the trail leads him to Italy and a simmering feud between an ex-Fascist and a band of former partisans.

An intelligent and witty thriller with just the right blend of action and intrigue. A highly recommended effort from our man Long. Read it as a period piece or a minor classic of detective fiction (or both) but make sure you read it !

We don`t seem to have a star ratings system any more, but if we did, I`d give this 4.5 out of 5.… (mais)