Murder in the Gunroom

Murder in the Gunroom by H. Beam Piper

Lane Fleming's collection of early pistols and revolvers was one of the best in the country. When Fleming was found dead on the floor of his locked weapons room, holding a Confederate .36 caliber percussion revolver, the coroner's verdict was "accidental death." But Gladys Fleming had her doubts. Enough in any case to involve Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand - better known as Jeff - a private detective and himself a pistol collector, to catalog, evaluate and negotiate the sale of her late husband's collection.

There were a number of people who had wanted the collection. The question was: did anyone want him so badly that they killed Fleming? And if so, how had he done it? Here is a mystery, told against the fascinating backdrop of old guns and gun collecting, that is rapid-fire without being hysterical, exciting without losing touch with reason, and that introduces a new, customizable and intelligent private investigator. It's a story that will keep your nerves on edge even if you don't know the difference between a pair of Paterson .34s and a Texas .40 cantilever.