Death Is No Sportsman/an Inspector Mallett Mystery

Cyril Hare is not exactly a household name, but he should be. I learned of him by way of a list published by P. D. James of the five best English mysteries. Dame P. D. did not mislead. I am frequently seduced by a mystery that includes a map, in this instance one of a small fishing stream in the south of England. Hare almost persuades me to pick up a rod and tie flies so vivid are his scenes of trout fishing on this private reserve. How neatly he integrates his love of the sport with the act of murder most foul. I have sped through all of Hare's mysteries, and I particularly recommend this novel and two others: An English Tragedy and Tragedy at Law, both superlative. If you love the English detective novel, Hare will not disappoint.