A Question of Murder

Inspector Charlie Salter of the Toronto Police Department returns in his sixth adventure, a solid, well-crafted mystery that will delight his fans. Most of the force is preparing for the arrival of a British princess. Salter, who is assigned to the Special Affairs Center, investigates threatening letters that are being received by several Yorkville merchants, an area Her Majesty will tour. Initially, it looks like a feud between the business owners and the street vendors. But after the princess leaves the vicinity, a bomb explodes, killing the estranged husband of one of the shopkeepers. Salter must begin the task of finding the murderer although the case will eventually be given to homicide. In the midst of a career crisis, the veteran cop's pride is at stake in solving this baffling crime. Wright's ( The Night the Gods Smiled ) deft characterizations enhance this fast-paced novel, a welcome addition to the Salter series. (Oct.)