The Death of an Ardent Bibliophile
Literary lore and procedural machinations weave through the third adventure of Dublin police superintendent Peter McGarr, last seen in Death on a Cold, Wild River. The bibliophile in question was noted Swiftian scholar Brian Herrick, the custodian of Swift's Marsh Library, famed for its rare editions, which Herrick had recreated in part in his own home. As much an enigma as Swift, Herrick had also shelved in his library video cassettes of orgies starring himself and featuring, among others, a memorable one-eyed tart. But in his final scene, Herrick is filmed alone, falling victim to a nasty poison. McGarr learns that Herrick, reputedly wealthy, may have squandered his estate and become the subject of blackmail. Focusing less than in the previous books on the dichotomies of modern Ireland, Gill paints a broad, bold cast, including McGarr's wife, Noreen, an art gallery owner, and a handsome threesome involved in an intense romantic triangle-two of Peter's coppers, one tall and statuesque, one short and pugilistic, and a dashing young businessman. This academic mystery, however, may hold the most appeal for readers who know and love their Swift.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.