The Hodgkiss Mysteries - Peter Sinclair

Hodgkiss is researching for a book on crime in Kanundda when he reads in the local paper of a nasty outbreak of racism. But his research uncovers shocking events in his own community that mirrored the evils of the Nazi regime in the 1930s ... and two murders.

Detective Inspector Donald Burke is called by panicked employees of Kanundda Council who just heard a shot in the room of their loathed boss. But when Donald arrives to investigate the room is locked up tight and when he breaks in the room is empty. Who fired the shot? How did the shooter get out of the room? Once again It is up to Donald's father-in-law, Hodgkiss, to provide the tricky but logical solution.

A ten dollar note is found in the street. Someone has written on it the Morse code for SOS in a new fashionable colour of lipstick. But they also wrote a number which appears to be too short for a phone number too long for a street number. But Hodgkiss and his friend Pat Strong know that a life may be at risk. Discovering the message behind the number is vital.