"Don't Point That Thing at Me", by Kyril Bonfiglioli

Novel, 1972

Adventures of an art enthusiast and amateur gentleman sleuth, with more than a touch of Wodehouse, some very non-reconstructed 1970s views towards women and "foreigners" and briefly dark passages punctuating the sprightly overall tone of the book. The mixture of keen plotting and a brisk pace make for a compelling read, and while the book isn't really an absolute classic, there's more than enough entertainment and points to make an interesting read.