"Detective-Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte leaves his familiar outback anvironment for Melbourne and a nearby mountain resort on a special assignment for military intelligence. Although out of his element among city people, Bony displays his characteristic skills to interpret some puzzling clues and catch a murderer--providing the ingredients for another fascinating Arthur Upfield mystery." - from the 1983 Angus & Robertson "Arkon" edition

"Bony, passing as a squatter from western Queensland, has been seconded to the Army on a secret assignment. He is a guest at Wideview Chalet when Mr. Brumann is found dead in a ditch and his luggage is missing. Constable Rice is telephoned and arrives simultaneously with a visitor for Mr. Brumann. Constable Rice recognizes the visitor and is shot dead by him. Bony is ably assisted by Bisker, the handyman. Bony calls this 'a lovely case-a glorious mixup of a case.'" – from "The Armchair Detective"

Location: Wideview Chalet, near Manton, Mount Chalmers, Victoria (fictional).

The Devil's Steps was first printed by Doubleday's Crime Club in 1946. Aldor of London printed the first British edition in 1948 and Angus and Robertson printed the first Australian edition in 1965. Pictured above is the 1983 Arkon edition printed by Angus and Robertson.