Beasts in velvet - Kim Newman

As a vicious killer known only as "The Beast" because of the ferocity of his crimes, stalks the streets of Altdorf, disgraced watchman "Filthy" Harald Kleindeinst is reinstated with the assignment to stop the bloody reign of terror and uncover the murderer's true identity.

In the Imperial capital of Altdorf, a killer stalks the streets. Nicknamed The Beast by those who have seen the remains of his victims all evidence points to the haughty members of the Imperial court, the wealthy and privileged who are a law unto themselves.