LEO BRUCE – Death in Albert Park. Carolus Deene #13.   W. H. Allen, UK, hardcover, 1964. Charles Scribner’s Sons, US, hardcover, 1979. Academy Chicago Publishers, US, paperback, 2005.

   This thirteenth case of  Senior History Master Carolus Deene of the Queen’s School, Newminster, was originally published in 1964 by W. H. Allen & Co. of London, and there have been at least ten subsequent titles featuring the forty-year-old teacher. The present title, however, would appear to be only the sixth to be published in the United States to date. Since it is the first of the “Death” titles, however, perhaps Scribners intends to continue the series., which would be a real treat.

   Deene bakes an interest in London affairs when three middle-aged women from the depressing suburb surrounding Albert Park in the remote southeastern part of the city are fatally knifed between the shoulder blades. The teacher’s interest in crime as history prompts him to investigate the backgrounds of the victims to see if, indeed, they were just random targets of a crazed psychotic popularly called the Stabber.

   There is some hilarious satirizing of the excesses in the contemporary theater along the way; and we meet some of the not-too-likeable regulars in the persons of Deene’s housekeeper and cook, Mrs. Stick, a stickler for appearances, and young, precocious student Robert Priggley who even annoys Deene but who sometimes serves as bis own personal “irregular.”

   Deene’s interference is not in the least appreciated by Detective Superintendent Dyke who does everything to thwart his interviews. Also adverse to his investigative hobby is his school headmaster, the cowering Mr. Garringer.

   This particular novel employs a plot device reminiscent of a famous 1936 Christie, though handled quite differently. Mr. Bruce is a deft hand in creating suspense, and he carefully plays fair with the reader in his deployment of clues.     The first Carolus Deene novel was At Death’s Door (1955) , and Leo Bruce is also the creator of series Character Sergeant Beef.