The Hog Murders

This novel has everything a Golden Age detective novel fan could ask for: a classic plot, an eccentric detective who is a genius, an intelligent sidekick, love interests, suspense, twists and red herrings, a fairly clued mystery, and the author's own clever variation on the classical plot. And, as in books like "The French Powder Mystery" and "Fog of Doubt", a last sentence containing a stunning, brilliant revelation. A series of unnatural deaths are all tied to a murderer who signs himself as HOG and the efforts of Professor Nicolo Bennedetti, P.I. Ron Gentry, and others to apprehend the killer and discern his motivation. Published in 1979, it won a second Edgar Award for the author. And very deservedly so. If you are a fan of the Golden Age of the Detective Story, you must not miss this book.