“It was my own fault, of course.  I realized that when it was too late. “

Crime writer Iain Carter has recently married and is struggling to make a decent living as an author.  His brother-in-law is a likable but slightly indiscreet constable, and Iain decides to use this inside knowledge to write a satirical series featuring a pompous dictatorial police superintendent.  To protect his identity, Iain creates an elaborately designed pseudonym, 'John Ky Lowell', that can’t be traced back to him.  When the first book by Lowell, The Undetective, proves to be a huge success, Iain finds he must take increasingly convoluted steps to protect his secret from the press, the police and the taxman.   But the real trouble begins when a local bookmaker is killed, and Iain finds his mysterious alter-ego is the prime suspect.