MICHAEL INNES – The Ampersand Papers. Dodd Mead, US, hardcover, 1979. UK edition: Victor Gollancz, hardcover, 1978. Paperback edition: Penguin, several printings.

   Sir John Appleby is getting on in years now, but we have every right to he thankful whenever his expertise as a former Commissioner of Scotland Yard can be put to good use once again.

   Such a time is when death occurs under mysterious circumstances, and as chance would have it, Sir John is immediately on hand for the unexplained collapse, with occupant, of the precarious staircase leading to the North Tower of the Ampersand castle.

   Stored there are family papers, possibly containing valuable literary memorabilia from the Age of Shelley. There is a mention of Spanish treasure as well. Lord Ampersand himself is more addled than even English aristocrats have a right to be — is it inbreeding, or what?

   Innes is in fine form, with a touch of 18th century wit about him, but the deductions (I hate to say it) seem little more than guesswork on Appleby’s part, bringing about a vaguely dissatisfying close to an otherwise most elegant affair.