Rogue Running by Maurice Proctor

This British novel of suspense is a manhunt for a killer, featuring determined detection by law enforcement professionals.

The team of detectives from Grantchester City Police, led by Detective Chief Inspector Henry Martineau, moves into action to find a missing man. James Thorne of the Thorne Agency has been missing for days, and junior partner Mr. Forrest and secretary Rita Fell comply with the search. The office is fingerprinted; the hundred pounds left out were not taken. Thorne's body is then found—in the most unlikely of places. It could have something to do with Rita's soon-to-be ex-husband, a footballer on the skids, or his star teammate Johnny Adair, who is sweet on Rita—or her secret affair with her boss. They all know Thorne left her a bequest of £20,000. Someone begins using Thorne's stolen chequebook and passing counterfeit bills; perhaps a local con man and pickpocket who lifted Detective Constable Brabant's warrant card and wallet at a sports match, and is now impersonating him.

Dogged work by the detectives and sergeants zeroes in on a suspect - a man who had access to the office and is now, as subtle as an elephant, escaping in a stolen car. This is not action-oriented but a procedural with plenty of twists murmuring underneath.

Maurice Proctor was once a Police Constable in Halifax who began writing with authenticity in 1947. Besides his Chief Inspector Philip Hunter series and ten stand-alone novels, there are fourteen mysteries starring Detective Chief Inspector Henry Martineau.

1967 / Hardcover / 224 pages