Cadaver: An Edwina Crusoe Medical Mystery

Was it foul play or suicide when medical journal editor Bennett Weissman was discovered in his garage with the car running and the .22 that blew out his brains close at hand? In her third appearance, after Rigor Mortis , private eye and ex-nurse Edwina Crusoe decides to investigate and begins by talking to the dead man's family and colleagues at Chelsea Memorial Hospital. Her questions touch the raw nerves of Bennett's mercurial daughter Mona, a singularly unconvincing character; and Vinnie Perillo, an amusing dilettante scientist who runs dubious experiments on hairless mice. Two new bodies turn up, then Edwina's new husband, Martin, a homicide detective, is kidnapped by a psychotic killer. Fortunately, the grousing cop who confiscated Edwina's lock picks grudgingly pitches in to help her bring two murderers to justice. The cameo roles--the cranky cop; a steamed-up, dedicated doctor--pack more punch than major players. Kittredge delivers a sharp whiff of real hospital air, but dithers with a plot that's a pint low on credibility. (Apr.)