Women Sleuths

The first volume in Academy Chicago's Mystery Novella series, this collection contains four generally disappointing works. Each has an interesting plot, but with the exception of Mignon Eberhart's ""Calico Dog,'' the key to the storyand any hint thereofis held back until a rather dry summation at the end. Characterization also drags down the work: the three stories from the '30s feature sheltered, prudish womeneven Eberhart's private eye Susan Dare, who feigns independence, is saved by her boyfriend. Muller's ``Broken Men,'' the sole contemporary story, is less stereotypical, but suffers again from a construction that excludes the reader from involvement. December