Another in Carmichael's longstanding series featuring insurance assessor Piper and crime columnist Quinn who seem to talk more than usual, citing chapter, verse and cliche. Perhaps because the case itself is frugal. Did Greg Whittle, writer and philanderer, commit suicide the day after an increased insurance policy became valid? And what of the woman strangled just before the case's end? Comfortable, you know, but old-school inclining a little toward old-hat.