THE MATHMATECIS OF MURDER: A Fearne & Bracknell Collection

London: Hale, 2000. 1st edition with complete number line beginning with 1. Fine in fine dust jacket, not price clipped, in protective mylar cover. Possibly the very last book from Mr. Gilbert. These are short stories, previously uncollected and which originally appeared in EQMM. A typical Hale printing is less than 1,000 copies and with most copies going to public libraries, this Fearne & Bracknell short story collection is a genuine rarity. The 14 stories in the book all revolve around one or more members of a small law firm of solicitors located in London in an area near the Tower called Little Bethel, "on the borderline between the City and the East End". The two senior partners are Francis Fearne and Robert Bracknell; the junior partners are their children, Tara Fearne and Hugo Bracknell. The most important member of the firm in many ways, though, appears to be their managing clerk, an "old" bachelor named Horace Piggin. Affectionately called "Piggy", he is a font of bottomless experience, sage advice, and acquaintanceship with, apparently, nearly everyone in London, including policemen, criminals, and potential clients.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Fine/Fine. Book.