Death of an Old Goat.

London: Crime Club / William Collins & Sons, 1974. Hardback small octavo, dustjacket, good condition (in good dustjacket), red boards (gilt title on spine), jacket chipped (flap price-clipped, small edge tears minimal loss, faint foxing & toning reverse side), edges lightly foxed, slight toning pages, some edgewear, owner's name free flyleaf. 190 pp. (Death of an Old Goat, by Robert Barnard: Crime Club / William Collins, London, 1974.) This mystery novel, set in Australia, is the first novel by prolific crime fiction novelist Robert Barnard. Drummondale was not one of Australia's most distinguished seats of learning, but then Professor Belville-Smith was hardly one of England's most distinguished exports. He came, he saw, he lectured (on Mrs Gaskell and Jane Austen) - and a few hours later he was found violently and mysteriously dead. Who could have committed the crime? Inspector Royle has to find the killer. The book is a very funny send-up of university life 'down under'. The author spent six years at an Australian university, which he says has a passing resemblance to Drummondale through the staff are completely distinct. He enjoyed his stay in Australia, and met his Australian wife there.