It seems that back in the 1930s, bullfighting was a lot more
socially acceptable than it is today. For in Todd Downing’s The Last Trumpet, Hugh Rennert (a retired
U. S. Customs Service agent and Downing’s series detective) does not hesitate
to be seen at a bullfight in Matamoras, Mexico. But the social excursion
quickly turns into a serious business when bullfighter Carlos Campos dies horrifically,
gored by a bull.
Only it seems that the death was not accidental. Before he
succumbed to his injuries, Campos accused someone in the crowd of blinding him
by shining a mirror into his eyes. The police attempt to make a search but they
are thwarted in their efforts. But it’s a good thing Hugh Rennert was present –
he undertakes the investigation and discovers that Campos was not the first
casualty. Nor will he be the last…
