A Rain of Death

During the 33rd Bing Crosby National Pro-Am tournament at Pebble Beach in January 1974, participants are being randomly poisoned by cyanide. Real people, including the late ""crooner"" himself, mix with fictional characters in the fourth murder-'n'-golf epic featuring Associated Press sportswriter John Morris and his muse Julia Sullivan. Yes, this is primarily aimed at the large golfing market, but even non-golfers will be intrigued by the killer's motive and unusual M.O.--though some impetuous mystery fans may find reading the golf anecdotes, golf history and golf jargon more like sitting out a rain delay. The raucous atmosphere of a big-time tournament and the raunchiness of the players, spectators and surrounding media are wittily portrayed, while travel and historical notes about the Monterey Peninsula add to the package. (Mar.)