Robbed Blind

A case with too many suspects threatens to unsettle even suave, unruffled Inspector Roper in the latest of Hart's estimable British procedurals. When rich Stella Pumfrey is killed in a fall, Roper theorizes that the robbers infesting his bailiwick are guilty, but he soon finds other avenues to explore. Stella's husband loves her money, not her person; the victim's sister rejoices openly in the death; Mrs. Wainer, claiming a close friendship with Stella, isn't quite convincing. There are others, Roper discovers as he feels himself becoming entangled in a web of deceit, who could have murdered Stella for revenge and profit. After separating facts from a confusion of lies, the detective finally enjoys the immense satisfaction of putting the guilty behind bars. (May)