Jigsaw (87th Precinct Mystery)

The 1994 TV movie "Columbo: Undercover" is based on this book. In the movie, Columbo is substituted for several different characters from the book, alternating from scene-to-scene. Sometimes he's the book's Detective Carella, other times he takes over for Detective Brown, who also appears in the movie. As confusing as this may sound, the movie is actually a very faithful adaptation of the book - even the pieces of the photo are identical to the illustrations in the book. Fans of the book should check out the movie (which is available on DVD in the UK, but not yet in the US).

A man is found dead with a piece of a picture in his hand. This piece is part of a puzzle that shows where money from a robbery, of seven years ago, is located. The piece turns out to be one of eight pieces held by different people. There is also a list of names that have been torn into two pieces. People that hold the pieces are turning up dead. Arthur Brown and Steve Carella try to solve the mystery. They are assisted by Myer Myer and Cotton Hawes. A former insurance investigator is involved. Brown gets beaten up but through it all the 87th comes through. The book is a little slow moving at times, not hardly as good as most of the other McBain book I have read. It will still hold your attention and is well worth the read.

A fine 87Th precinct novel with much suspence and wit.A true McBain story:easy to read,fine deduction,true procedures and difficult to put down.Try also the audi:Impossible to put out....Was -much to my surprise-a plot adapted for a Colombo movie-as was 'As long as you both shall live'.

Another outstanding entry in the 87th Precinct police procedurals. This one will keep you up all night.