"A genuinely innovative, brain-teaser of a novel that pokes fun at American pulp fiction. . . . Skvorecky is a skillful writer with an international range." —Publishers Weekly

A clergyman named Ronald A. Knox once set forth a set of rules for writing detective fiction. In ten new stories (two featuring Lieutenant Boruvka), a crime occurs that violates one of Father Knox's rules, thus serving up a double challenge: Who dunnit? and Which rule was broken?

"Ten more mystery stories by the gifted Czech novelist. . . . Offbeat . . . tongue-in-cheek entertainment for aficionados of classic puzzlers in the Ellery Queen tradition—especially those who'll also appreciate Skvorecky's darkish, edgy texture." —Kirkus Reviews

"[Skvorecky] is a magnificent writer and a hilarious observer of human folly. . . . Mystery fans who thrive on puzzles are nicely served. But those who read for style and characterization—and they are legion—are the real winners here." —Katrine Ames, Newsweek