He Huffed and He Puffed

A delightfully diabolic whodunit, this is a fast-paced romp in which the cops are the only good guys. Financier A. J. Strode is accustomed to getting his own way even if unscrupulous tactics must be employed. He covets ownership of House of Glass, a company which has been stealing industrial jobs from his own firm, Lester Works. The tycoon has quietly acquired House of Glass stock and needs one more block to seize control of his competition. But the three shareholders who own the only available stock, concert violinist Joanna Gillespie, Jack McKinstry of McKinstry Helicopters and Richard Bruce of Bruce Shipping Lines, refuse to sell. Strode, though, is certain someone will eventually capitulate because he has uncovered their darkest secrets: each has literally gotten away with murder. He invites the trio to his Manhattan home for a weekend to decide among themselves who will sell their stock and go free while the other two face prosecution and ruin. There's just one problem with Strode's scenario: he's killed. Paul's ( The Renewable Virgin ) fiendish albeit comical characters are enhanced by crisp prose. Readers will savor this caper. (Feb.)