Constable, UK, 1977 (hbk); Walker, USA, 1978* (hbk); Dell, USA, 1981* (pbk); (*entitled Spence and the Holiday Murders); Ulverscroft, UK, 1980, (hbk large print).
All editions out of print
This is the first book in the Spence series. The three Spence books are listed in two leading reference books on crime fiction: A Reader’s Guide to the Classic British Mystery, by Susan Oleksiw; and Sleuths, Sidekicks and Stooges by Joseph Green and Jim Finch.
It is three days before Christmas, and Roger Parnell is flat on his back... in his driveway. It looks as if the handsome bachelor has been celebrating too well – until the fatal wound on the back of his head is discovered.
Detective Superintendent Ben Spence soon learns that the dashing Mr Parnell has a mysterious past, some unsavoury habits, and a long list of enemies.
‘Mr Allen’s policeman, Spence, is the hero of the best police procedure novel I have read in years.’ The Spectator
‘Spence is a very good bet to return to the scene of the crime.... A true blue murder master.’ Time
‘Don’t miss it.’ Observer
‘Good police stuff with an unexpected conclusion.’ The Times Literary Supplement
‘Solidly constructed.’ New York Times Book Review
