The Christmas Bow Murder

This debut novel by a British actor introduces Chief Inspector Jim Ashworth of the Bridgetown CID. The latest case for the 30-year veteran copper involves the murder of Stella Carway, who was strangled to death with a scarf that was then tied neatly in a bow. Ashworth learns from the housekeeper that, while Mr. Carway might be a ladies' man, the victim herself was ``no better than she should be.'' Evidence conveniently points to the husband, whom Ashworth's assistant, DS Owen Turner, is convinced is the culprit. But Ashworth suspects that the fatal relationship may be hidden somewhere in the tangle of Stella's friends and lovers (some unsavory). The pressure on Ashworth increases when his superior wonders if the veteran detective is past his prime and if Turner, a skilled detective and opportunist, is ready to take the baton. The honorable Ashworth manages to ferret out the murderer and lay waste to another scheme in the process. Battison plots his tale well, but wordily. (Nov.)