Puppet Master

This book is two short stories, or novellas with a novel between them. I've had the pleasure of hearing Dalmas read "A Most Singular Murder," but even if I'd just read it in the book, I'd still rate it highly. All three stories are tightly written, but without the complications for the sake of complication of some writers. The mysteries are very intricate and involved, and require the space they're given. I don't accept Dalmas' premises as a world-view, but find them very satisfactory as basis for a story, and, once one even conditionally accepts the premises, the story runs logically from there. Dalmas introduces us to some fascinating people and the story never drags. More proof that Dalmas continues to grow as a writer.