The Cambridge Theorem — Tony Cape

A police detective is drawn into intrigue while investigating a mathematical genius's murder: “A combination of P.D. James and John le Carré.” -- Austin American-Statesman

When Simon Bowles commits suicide, no one is surprised. A graduate student in mathematics at Cambridge University, Bowles had a long, well-documented history of depression. But as Detective Sergeant Derek Smailes soon discovers, he also had a passion for investigating historical mysteries and an extraordinary knack for solving them. His most recent project: uncovering the identity of the fabled fifth man in the notorious Cambridge spy ring of the 1930s. Smailes can't help wondering whether Bowles could have possibly solved that mystery -- and if so, whether his theorem could have brought about his death . . .

“Smailes, the engaging hero of this atmospheric thriller, is a most unusual CID detective: he wears lizard-skin cowboy boots, loves the music of Willie Nelson and is generally obsessed with all things American . . . In his first novel, Cambridge graduate Cape expertly mixes just enough fact with fiction to keep his readers intrigued and entertained.” -- Publishers Weekly

“Engrossing . . . A classy freshness and appealingly labyrinthine plot.” -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“A resounding success, suspenseful and fascinating.” -- Chicago Tribune

“An entertaining first effort combining the mystery and spy genres . . . with several twists.” -- Library Journal