Hatchet Job

Carl Wilcox #13

by Harold Adams

When the town cop in Mustard dies of overexposure to an ax, the case is made to order for Carl Wilcox. After all, the late officer did leave a widow. Officer Schoop, an old associate of Carl's, tries to discourage that line of thought, though: The widow just happens to be his sister, and while it would be nice if Carl could nab the killer, Schoop isn't thrilled with the idea that he might also nab Jackie. Lou Dupree was murdered in his cot in an unfinished room above City Hall ... and it appears that he has left a bit of unfinished business behind. There are lots of folks in the small town who found Dupree's behavior less than civilized, and then there are the stories about his behavior around some of the women. All in all, even if Carl discounts the widow, he has enough suspects to keep him busy. And more than enough to offend, something Mustard's Mayor Tollefson does not appreciate, since the offended tend to be his friends and supporters. And his wife.

Genres: Mystery

153 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1996

About the author

BORN 1923

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting main character as well as the subs. Had a real "feel" for the Depression era out in the flatlands. I never try (or am any good trying) to figure out the culprit. Really liked the denouement here!