Knight Sinister

Adam Hall (a pseudonym of Elleston Trevor-- did he really NEED one??) has written a wonderful-- and apparently OUT OF PRINT!! AAAAHHH!! I HATE THAT!!-- chess-like novel. The main character, Hugo Bishop, is neither a P.I. or a cop in London of the 50's, as the blurb on the book itself says, "he simply shows up to help." This first work in the series (there are 4 other works, all involving chess, including "Bishop in Check" and "Pawn in Jeopardy"), involves Mr. B. in a bit of a love triangle in the theatre world of London. Nicole Pedley has a genius, animated-- and rather unlovable-- theatrical director husband. She also has a handsome young love who, mysteriously, disappears into nothingness, but seems to be writing Nichole letters... Is he REALLY writing them?? Has something happened to him and someone is extorting her?? And who is this OTHER actress who seems to know Ms. Pedley's lover sooo well...?? It's a cute book, reminiscent of "The Innocence of Father Brown" short stories. Quick of pace, swift of wit, and fully steeped in chess lore and thought. It comes recommended from THIS chessist to anyone else who enjoys the game...