Someone is planning the perfect murder, which no one will be able to solve. This is according to the writings in their diary. It has been in the planning, down to the finest detail, for quite some time. The satisfaction won’t be the riddance of the victim — it will be the accomplishment and lack of solution of the event.

A small seaside resort in winter. A promenade empty of evening strollers and not well lit. The victim a random choice. The weapon to be an unusual tool. All is perfect.

The “fly in the ointment” will be Carolus Deene, a schoolmaster with a high success rate of solving murders. Detective Inspector John Moore was given the case and it is he who calls Deene in to assist.

The murder is accomplished, but there are some matters that could provide clues. People were on the promenade that night. The victim had just arrived in town and had been noticed by a few locals. He actually had relatives in town, but had been declared dead due to missing during the war. There are suspects and possible reasons but sorting it out will take Deene and his analytical mind.

Another enjoyable read from the Carolus Deene series. ( )