Chief Inspector Wexford investigates the disappearance of Rodney Williams, a man who vanished from his suburban home after losing his job. The missing person case turns into a homicide inquiry when Williams is found stabbed to death. Wexford uncovers the victim’s secret bigamous life, leading him into a hidden world of radical feminism and a militant group known as the ARW. As the investigation widens, Wexford must navigate the tension between shifting gender politics and old-fashioned suburban respectability to find a killer hiding in plain sight.
This book is for readers of procedural mysteries who value social commentary over simple puzzles. It appeals to those interested in the cultural shift of the mid-1980s, specifically regarding divorce, family structures, and feminist movements. Readers walk away with a cynical view of domestic stability and an understanding of how ideological extremism can intersect with private tragedies. It attracts audiences who prefer police officers who rely on observation and local knowledge rather than forensic technology.
Balanced in tone; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1985
- Language
- EN
