A Death for a Dreamer

After six books ( Death for a Dietician ) in Giroux's series featuring barrister Robert Forsythe and his loyal secretary, Abigail ``Sandy'' Sanderson, the author shows no signs of faltering. Her latest effort is another well-crafted mystery with vividly depicted characters. Robert sends Sandy, suffering from a bad cold, to London's countryside to recuperate; meanwhile, she will mediate a dispute between the owner of a home for the elderly and its board. The Coralund Home has received four puppies as a donation from a pet food manufacturer. As part of the company's pilot program, any patient who desires a dog can have one, but pet food will be supplied gratis for only a year. Unfortunately, the home lacks the financial resources and staff to care for the animals. Before Sandy can give the board her decision, one of the pets is poisoned, a nurse is murdered and the skeleton of a man is found. Sandy sends for Robert to help the police in their investigation, which focuses on the board members: a librarian, the local innkeeper, an antiques dealer and the erstwhile fiancee of the home's founder, who disappeared 30 years ago on the eve of his marriage. A smashing denouement caps another winner for Giroux. (June)