This is the 1st book in his Joe Sixsmith series. I read them all. I love this series - the main character (Joe)is a short , black, balding private eye in UK. He was 'made redundant' at his old factory job and decided to try being a private eye. He drives around in this ancient British auto and often takes his cat, Whitey, along. The cat will go to his favorite pub w/Joe and lap up beer from a saucer under the table. If Joe gets called on a case, Whitey may stay behind and get soused. I read the Joe Sixsmith series maybe 10 years ago and recently re-read it. They are that good.And don't forget the bossy, naggy aunt who sings in the choir w/Joe - she's always pushing nice marriageable 'girls' at him.