Murder Most Sacred: Great Catholic Tales of Mystery and Suspense

These 11 ``great Catholic tales of mystery and suspense'' provide a treat for mystery fans, whatever their religious leanings. G. K. Chesterton's ``The Oracle of the Dog'' occupies pride of place, as his clear-eyed Father Brown differentiates between the truth of a dog's role in a crime and the illusion accepted by gullible folk. This story's ingenious plot and style represents the collection's overall quality, although each tale has its own special characteristic. Poignancy is achieved in Hoch's ``The Sweating Statue,'' about a discounted miracle; anguish expressed in Brendan DuBois's ``Final Marks, Final Secrets,'' about a man doomed to a lifetime of regret for failing to confess a childhood peccadillo; humor released in ``The Devil and His Due'' by Dorothy Salisbury Davis, whose young hero foils a book thief. All entries are by distinguished authors, including Simenon, Antonia Fraser, Anthony Boucher and Marcia Muller. (June)