More than fifty years ago, Peter Lovesey wrote a short story that got the attention of crime fiction master Ruth Rendell, and her praise ignited Lovesey's passion for short stories.

This collection contains eighteen short stories, including that very first one, three brand-new ones, and even one featuring his well-known Bath detective Peter Diamond. The settings vary wildly: the book publishing industry, a monastery, a theater, the island of Corfu, and a farmer's field containing a scarecrow wearing a checked jacket.

For readers unfamiliar with Peter Lovesey, these stories would be a good introduction. Since I am no stranger to this talented man's writing, I enjoyed each setting, each twist and turn, each clue illustrating the deviousness of Lovesey's mind.

Now, after feasting on these stories, what I'm really in the mood for is Peter Diamond solving another puzzling case in Bath.

(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley) ( )