The very first book of mr Lem that I actually read. Wanted to read this logicus', philosopher', scientist's stories for years, never got around (excuses!).
Inspector has to investigate into curiously disappearing bodies of recently diseased.
Larger-than-life characters, obvious tension between them. Paranormal activity is suggested, never proved. Main protagonist must believe in reality though, even if he would be faced with the "facts" of a paranormal event (this doesn't happen, not proven at least), because otherwise his world crumbles. It makes a strong character.
Reactions of characters sometimes overdone.
"So-called common sense relies on programmed nonperception, concealment, or ridicule of everything that doesn't fit into the conventional nineteenth century vision of a world that can be explained down to the last detail"
I liked the fact tha the actual "crime", if it even is one, isn't explained. No solution is given. It becomes a bit meta: the investigation into the investigation. I should reread it after a while with this in mind.
