The Dead Genius

Post-World War II Milwaukee can hide stories as well as any other place. When noted forensic document examiner (a new field) Armand de Trouville dies suddenly at his desk, it looks like a natural death. But Police Capt. Ackerman has a hunch, and he sends Lt. Joe Sonntag (A Hotel Dick) to investigate. Where to begin with a man whose background is a mystery? Well, for one thing, too many people want the cops to think they're barking up the wrong tree. VERDICT A fine little police procedural from a master storyteller better known as Western writer Richard S. Wheeler. This is historical fiction done well, with steady pacing and bullpen humor. Think of Sheldon Russell's The Yard Dog for time period and sense of place. Highly recommended.