A Very Particular Murder

The British author's appealing Inspector Ben Jurnet returns in a story packed with astounding incidents growing out of skewed relationships and thwarted desires. Like Death and the Pregnant Virgin , Stately Homicide et al., this novel is a spellbinder. Although Jurnet and almost all of Scotland Yard are on the alert for trouble during a reception for physicist Max Flaschner, a Nobel Laureate, the scientist dies after drinking cyanide-laced orange juice. Beginning his investigation of this extremely complicated case, Jurnet discovers that Flaschner had ordered the juice for Tawno Smith, his beloved protege, and believes the poison was meant for Tawno, perhaps because he is feared as a brilliant scientist, ``tampering with natural laws.'' But people who flout the law requiring respect for other humans, Jurnet discovers, create the most appalling crimes. Haymond's new novel is a masterwork, her crowning achievement so far. Mystery Guild selection. (Aug.)