Murder in Georgetown

Truman's seventh, meatiest novel involves a group of blackguards, posing as prominent patriots in the nation's capital. One is Senator John Frolich whose young daughter Valerie, a journalism student, is murdered. Reporter Joe Potamos questions the victim's classmates and their instructor, George Bowen, a crony of the senator, and Marshall Jenkins, a politically powerful land developer. Frolich's presidential aspirations are well known and Potamos begins to suspect the man has sacrificed his daughter to prevent her from talking about his secret, illegal deals. When another of Bowen's students is killed, and Potamos's lover disappears, the reporter is outraged. Convinced that Watkins, Frolich and Bowen are guilty, Potamos breaks into their formidable hideout where the story ends with several bangs. It may be deemed the best of Truman's bestsellers. Mystery Guild selection, Literary Guild alternate. (July 31)