“Shrewd, compassionate, and dedicated, DeKok makes a formidable opponent for criminals and a worthwhile competitor for the attention of Simenon’s Maigret fans.”— Library Journal “It’s easy to understand the appeal of Amsterdam police detective DeKok; he hides his intelligence behind a phlegmatic demeanor, like an old dog that lazes by the fireplace and only shows his teeth when the house is threatened.”— Los Angeles Times While investigating a high-stakes jewel theft, Inspector DeKok is called to check out the death of a clown found floating in a raft down the canal, an enormous knife protruding from its back. Without the slightest trace, a unique, antique jewel collection disappears from a house along the Gentlemen’s Canal. As DeKok begins the investigation, his assistant, Vledder, receives a call regarding a dead clown at the foot of Crier’s Tower. The connection of the crimes initially eludes him, but DeKok’s profession, his calling, pushes him toward the answer. DeKok and the Death of a Clown is the third new release by Speck in the celebrated Baantjer series. With an emphasis on the best possible translations, editorial consistency, and attractive cover art, this sleek series will prove that DeKok can claim success equal to that achieved in Europe, where he is on a par with Maigret and Poirot. A.C. Baantjer is the most widely read author in the Netherlands. A former detective inspector of the Amsterdam police, his fictional characters reflect the depth and personality of individuals encountered during his 38-year career in law enforcement. He was recently knighted by the Dutch monarchy for his lifetime achievements. Baantjer is the most widely read author in the Netherlands. A former Detective Inspector of the Amsterdam Police, his fictional characters reflect the depth and personality of individuals encountered during his 38 year career in law enforcement. He was knighted by the Dutch monarchy. DeKok and the Death of a Clown By A. C. Baantjer, H. G. Smittenaar Fulcrum Publishing Copyright © 2005 A. C. Baantjer All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-933108-03-2 CHAPTER 1 "I'm not a swindler." Inspector DeKok of the renowned police station at Amsterdam's Warmoes Street gazed at the man in front of him with a searching look. "Why do you say that?" he asked sharply. "I haven't accused you of anything, least of all swindling." The man nervously played with the buttons of his pearl-gray waistcoat. The inspector's cool observation made him restless. "I ... eh, I expect you'll have a lot of questions once I tell you my story." DeKok nodded calmly. "That's my job," he said soothingly. "But you would have no chance to be heard, should I assume you came to the police just to tell a fraudulent story." The man gave DeKok a grateful look. "The thing is, my situation is somewhat ridiculous. It stretches even my imagination. That's what makes me so insecure. It is as though I blacked out for a time." DeKok's eyebrows rippled briefly. The man did not notice. "Have you had an accident? Have you been unconscious?" The man shrugged. "A few years ago I hurt my head in a car accident. But I've long since healed. My recollection of the incident is vague. There weren't any noticeable aftereffects." He shook his head. "This is something else entirely ... an inexplicable gap in time. " He took off his glasses and polished them with his necktie. Then he rubbed the corners of his eyes with his thumb and forefinger. "During this lost time my life spun out of control." DeKok leaned forward. His elbows rested on the desk. There was an expression of friendly understanding on his face. He could muster considerable patience. "Let's recapitulate," he said, as if it were a treat. "You are Julius Vlaanderen, fifty-five years old, and a real estate broker. Well off?" "Reasonably." DeKok smiled. "Not to worry. I don't work for the Inland Revenue." The broker hesitated only a moment. "I own the building along Gentleman's Canal. I have a retreat, a small chalet in Switzerland, and a few other properties. There is also a valuable collection of antique jewelry. Collecting is my hobby." It sounded apologetic. "And part of your jewelry collection is missing?" "Exactly." "You estimate the missing pieces have a value of about one million?" "It would come to about a million Euros, yes." "Gone from your safe?" "Yes." "There isn't the slightest sign of a break-in?" "That's right." DeKok continued steadily. "You say you're the only one with a key to the safe and the only person who knows the combination?" Mr. Vlaanderen sighed deeply. "My attorney keeps a spare key. He also has a sealed envelope with the combination inside. You understand ... in case anything happens to me. Although I felt it was unnecessary, upon the insistence of my son, Maurice, I asked my lawyer if everything was still intact." "And?" "He assured me everything in his office was undisturbed — the envelope and the key are in his safe. They have not been moved, or touch