Every social call brings Richard Rollison, aka ‘The Toff’, closer to death in this thriller that is dominated by characters from all ends of the spectrum. There is Renway, an Amontillado- sipping ‘old school’ art buff who is far from being suited to Irma, who in turn flaunts and teases with a come-on smile and eyes full of promise – but is ready with the doublecross. Old Renway has business on his mind and is restless, whilst Phyllis Bailey, an appealing girl who writes novels and who is to marry his nephew may be in danger because the mufflered ‘Mr. Brown’ has no qualms about torturing young lady writers. At The Blue Dog, in London’s East End, Charlie Wray’s smile is as dangerous as ever and in an alley nearby, a cheap bread knife and some hob-nailed boots are found near the murdered man. As ‘The Toff’ leaves his calling cards the killer’s pace grows and his confidence with it. Can ‘The Toff’ escape death himself and at the same time unravel the mystery?
