Leopold's Way

by Edward D Hoch

Published 1 October 1985
Leopold in these 24 stories is the head of homicide, later to become the department of violent crimes. Because he is given to interior musing, we learn the workings of the mind of a thoughtful detective. Showing Leopold s mind, Hoch develops nuances of character rare in mystery stories. The House by the Ferris poses a typical Hoch problem. Ancient crone Stella Gaze predicts that four men will dieby earth, air, fire, and water. Leopold is called in when one man drowns, is called again when another burns. The crimes seem to have been concocted by a witch."