The Caleso Murders — Ramon DeColta

When a dangerous criminal breaks out of jail, the Island detective is on the case

Palerdo should have been executed for the murder of Carlos Mantiro. Granted clemency, he is sent to prison instead. Palerdo vows to kill Señora Mantiro, whom he hates with a passion. To detective Jo Gar, something about the story doesn't add up -- men kill the husbands of women they love, not women they hate. When Palerdo breaks out of prison and the Filipino police find the señora's strangled body, nearly everyone is positive Palerdo has struck again.  
 
But Gar isn't so sure. If the señora had been the target, Palerdo wouldn't have bothered to bump off her driver too. And a seasoned criminal would have waited for cover of darkness to exact his revenge. Convinced that the real murderer is trying to frame Palerdo, Gar begins his investigation. Will Palerdo be the next victim?