This story kept me entertained from beginning to end. The main character, Peter Diamond, seems to combine all the worthwhile elements of an admirable detective - the deductive abilities of Sherlock Holmes, the street savvy of Sam Spade and the deceptively perceptive insight of Columbo - while treating the reading to the humor and everyday foibles of a lovable uncle. I read this book several years ago, but it still sticks in my mind.