The Love of Gods — Alan Hunter

Every month Alec Beresford hosts a soiree where artists air their work and keep up-to-date about what they are doing. The last such evening was quite successful -- handsome Ambrose West read from his newly-published book of poetry, signed copies for friends, and took the lead in a short play, acting a convincing love scene with another member's girlfriend. But when he is found the next day bludgeoned to death in Beresford's garden, Chief Superintendent Gently must examine his character in order to eliminate suspects from a thirty-strong group and reveal the murderer.