1st Culprit: A Crime Writers' Association Annual - Hardcover

Originally published in Great Britain last year, the 26 tales in this Crime Writer's Association annual exemplify the best in contemporary mystery writing in England and the U.S., showcasing humor, suspense, intricate puzzles and deft innuendo. In the lead spot, Ruth Rendell's "The Mouse in the Corner" follows her series detectives Wexford and Burden as they penetrate the defenses of a tight-lipped family after a brutal killing. Sara Paretsky brings together two New York City psychiatrists for a witty duel in "Freud at Thirty Paces." A little girl tries to get rid of her mother's boyfriend in "Boots" as Antonia Fraser turns the tale of Little Red Riding Hood inside out. Editor Cody offers a puzzler in "In Those Days," while co-editor Lewin gives the former vice-president a role as sleuth in "Danny Pulls His Weight." Other contributors include Alex Auswaks, Margaret Yorke, Simon Brett, Dick Francis and Catherine Aird.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

An unremarkable collection with a sterling pedigree: two dozen stories, 15 of them new, from the usually reliable British Crime Writers' Association. In addition to halfhearted reprints by the likes of Ruth Rendell, Antonia Fraser, H.R.F. Keating, and Celia Dale--and stronger efforts by Dick Francis and Margaret Yorke--the mix is heavy on whimsy: a zany psychiatrists' duel by Sara Paretsky; an elaborately game-bedecked puzzle by Simon Brett; a silly saga of Dan Quayle in Indiana by coeditor Lewin; and an encounter between Dorothy Sayers and Lord Peter You-Know-Who. The most successful entries--by Stephen Murray, Susan Moody, Alex Auswaks, Susan Kelly, and coeditor Cody- -avoid the whodunit, revenge, and now-it-can-be-told formulas for more unexpected revelations of character or situation. Nary an outstanding tale in the lot, though about half the contents--mostly the brand-new items--are keepers. -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.