From Publishers Weekly Literary lore and procedural machinations weave through the third adventure of Dublin police superintendent Peter McGarr, last seen in Death on a Cold, Wild River. The bibliophile in question was noted Swiftian scholar Brian Herrick, the custodian of Swift's Marsh Library, famed for its rare editions, which Herrick had recreated in part in his own home. As much an enigma as Swift, Herrick had also shelved in his library video cassettes of orgies starring himself and featuring, among others, a memorable one-eyed tart. But in his final scene, Herrick is filmed alone, falling victim to a nasty poison. McGarr learns that Herrick, reputedly wealthy, may have squandered his estate and become the subject of blackmail. Focusing less than in the previous books on the dichotomies of modern Ireland, Gill paints a broad, bold cast, including McGarr's wife, Noreen, an art gallery owner, and a handsome threesome involved in an intense romantic triangle-two of Peter's coppers, one tall and statuesque, one short and pugilistic, and a dashing young businessman. This academic mystery, however, may hold the most appeal for readers who know and love their Swift. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library Journal Dubliner Peter McGarr investigates the bizarre death of the keeper of Marsh's Library, a repository for rare books. Unlike most librarians, Brian Herrick enjoyed a family fortune, a fine house, and a private book collection of his own. He also emulated Jonathan Swift and died while videotaping a pornographic version of Swiftian poetry. This subject, along with the possible youth of a film partner, quickly relegates Herrick to the animal side of human nature in police eyes. Avid descriptions, dry witticisms, and fascinating plot carry this along quite nicely. From the author of Death of a Cold, Wild River (LJ Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
