Sergeant Jack Wigan just met Michael Fisk, a book-runner in an inconvenient state. Being a book-runner is like searching, picking up and selling rare/ first-edition/ most wanted books to other dealers or collectors. Instantly, they became close friends. Soon after that, Fisk was found stabbed surrounding his book in his own house. It was unlikely that he had any enemies other than books were the motive. From the time of his murder, Fredrick Hampton was accused. He happened to quarrel with the dead man and was seen at the Fisk's house. Fred denied it and claimed someone has framed him.
Sergeant Jack Wigan felt the man was innocent but hard to justify the feeling because there are so many loopholes in the case. The police had arrested the wrong person because circumstances seemed to implicate him. Wigan tried to find out general movements on the day of Fisk's death. He convinced all connected with the trade are suspect.
There are several potential suspects indeed. I did think I had the ending all worked out, but obviously, I'm wrong. It does make the flow a little unbelievable. But guess what, it's fiction though. Originally published on January 1, 1956. This is the second of four detective novels that Farmer wrote featuring detective Sergeant Jack Wigan series.
Thanks to @netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for earc. My opinions are my own.