Hotel Morgue

British food writer Laurence introduced caterer/sleuth Darina Lisle in A Deepe Coffyn . In this, her third appearance, the 28-year-old heroine attempts a career move after her earnest beau, Det. Sgt. William Pigram, introduces her to the Hotel Morgan, dubbed the Hotel Morgue, a country establishment in gentle decline. Deciding to help the distraught owner upgrade the hotel, Darina energetically pursues decorating schemes and devises Christmas menus as Pigram investigates a nearby murder. A second killing, this time at the Hotel Morgan, expands the pool of suspects to include feuding family members, secretive hoteliers and surprise guests. Failing to fully play out the possibilities of her plot, this time Laurence is more likely to please readers who have dreamed of running a country inn than hard-core mystery fans. (Dec.)