The Ambiguity of Murder

A retired Bolivian diplomat is found dead at the bottom of his swimming pool and Inspector Alvarez is called in to investigate. Alvarez finds a number of suspects--the diplomat had been sleeping with another man's wife, refusing to pay a builder, engaging in shouting matches with several people, and generally not a likable man. Still, which of them actually killed him?Prodded by his wife and his boss, Alvarez continues his search for justice, free brandy, and a decent meal (not necessarily in that order). Author Roderic Jeffries must have loved writing this fine novel. His Inspector Alvarez is a slow moving, heavy drinking, and funny man. Jeffries's dialogue is witty, his insights into humanity ring true, and he writes a fine mystery too. I found myself savoring each drop of this short novel--much like enjoying a fine--uh, brandy.

On the Island of Mallorca, though the case is outside his jurisdiction, Inspector Alvarez agrees to investigate when the local law enforcement official dumps the homicide on him. Apparently, the doctor on the scene feels someone killed retired Bolivian diplomat Guido Zavala, leaving the corpse to float inside the man's swimming pool. Inspector Alvarez agrees that murder most likely occurred. As Alvarez makes inquiries into the former diplomat's background, he finds a person who made many enemies, who would relish dispatching Guido to hell. Not only did many people have motives; most of them also had the opportunity. Alvarez knows he is getting closer to the killer because someone telephonically begins to threaten him. However, when he turn to his superior for help, Salas says no. This leaves the Inspector either turning to his own family, dropping the investigation, or going it alone. Though not as excellent as last year's brilliant AN ENIGMATIC DISAPPEARANCE, the latest Inspector Alvarez police procedural retains the fun of the previous books. The who-done-it is enjoyable especially as Alvarez investigates in his way. However, this time around the hero seems to need more siesta time than usual. That somewhat slows down a very clever police procedural that still contains much of the Mallorca charm that readers expect from Roderic Jeffries long running series.Harriet Klausner