[tiny nick in cloth at bottom edge of front cover, faint spotting on top edge, light foxing to fore-edge; jacket has a 3/4" closed tear at top of front panel, light stain at rear hinge, faint soiling/rubbing to rear panel]. "A superior novel of intrigue and pursuit," set in London, as a newspaperman becomes obsessed with solving the murder of a casual acquaintance, a man he'd never liked very much. The author's first novel, following one book of poetry.