When a black man is found murdered the job to discover the culprit is given to Jack O'Neill, Inspector and hard drinker, who spends as little time in the Records Department so that he can drink the rest of the day away. Even with the help of a new detective it is deemed to be a low priority case.
Then another body is found, ( )

Excellent story of an excellent detective inspector in Dublin who, after the loss of his wife and daughter became a bitter, burned out drunk. He is called out for one last case, with a young, enthusiastic, naive partner. Both characters, as well as others, we're beautifully drawn, as was the story. I suspected early on who was the killer, but the writing was so good it was well worth the read. ( )