Most Deadly Hate

For British barrister Antony Maitland, it seems like a simple child-custody battle until murder enters the picture. The accused, Robert Osmond, is clearly devoted to his eight-year-old daughter, Jennifer. Was that sufficient motive for him to strangle his ex-wifecool, calculating Philippa Osmondto prevent her from gaining custody of their child? When it comes to light that Philippa had lined up three of Robert's so-called paramours to testify to his moral unfitness, and that Robert had been observed near the scene of the crime, the odds seem stacked against Maitland and his client. Woods's usual devices are all herethe ""hopeless'' case, the slow unraveling of motives, the courtroom revelationbut her skill at taking stock situations and breathing life into them through clever plotting keeps this series fresh. Crisp, intelligent dialogue and well-conceived characters make this booklike the previous 42 Maitland mysteriesa satisfying, civilized entertainment. (March 31)