Pel and the Picture of Innocence

Fans of the Burgundian Chief Inspector Pel will savor his latest struggle with the underworld in the British author's 13th droll, mazy mystery. Settled with his new wife, happy with the company of a neighbor child, Yves, Pel sinks back into gloom when slippery Maurice Tagliatti and his gang return to town. Pel and his lieutenant, Darcy, are sure the crooks mean mischief but nothing happens until Maurice is murdered. Caught off guard, the inspectors grill the victim's cohorts futilely; all have solid alibis for the killing and for the hijacking of a fortune in gold, lost without a trace. Solving the puzzle is urgent, particularly since young Yves is in danger as witness to Maurice's fatal shooting. In the end, the boy plays another part in the affair. His questions about the French ``boule'' Italian ``bocci''called ``bowl'' by les anglais at Scotland Yardprovide the vital clue. The answers tell Pel what he needs to know about his wily adversary. (Jan.)