Publisher's Weekly
Originally published in Great Britain last year, the 26 tales in this Crime Writer's Association annual exemplify the best in contemporary mystery writing in England and the U.S., showcasing humor, suspense, intricate puzzles and deft innuendo. In the lead spot, Ruth Rendell's ``The Mouse in the Corner'' follows her series detectives Wexford and Burden as they penetrate the defenses of a tight-lipped family after a brutal killing. Sara Paretsky brings together two New York City psychiatrists for a witty duel in ``Freud at Thirty Paces.'' A little girl tries to get rid of her mother's boyfriend in ``Boots'' as Antonia Fraser turns the tale of Little Red Riding Hood inside out. Editor Cody offers a puzzler in ``In Those Days,'' while co-editor Lewin gives the former vice-president a role as sleuth in ``Danny Pulls His Weight.'' Other contributors include Alex Auswaks, Margaret Yorke, Simon Brett, Dick Francis and Catherine Aird.