The Frumious Bandersnatch by Ed McBain
The trouble with The Frumious Bandersnatch is that I guessed the surprise ending before the crime had even been committed. I love McBain’s writing–his characters, his attention to detail, his ability to be lyrical without being flowery. I often re-read his 87th Precint stories, knowing full well how they come out, but I was disappointed by this one.
McBain’s about a hundred years old. I wonder if he’s still writing his own stuff or if he’s actually a franchise now. Either way, it might explain some of his recent sub-par work, although Candyland is also recent and I think it’s his best book ever.