Murder and Mystery in Maine

Featuring the variety that pleased readers of the editors' previous collections set in Boston and Chicago, this volume also boasts tales by distinguished writers. It's a surprise to find Erskine Caldwell out of his well-known Southern territory, spinning his story, ``The Midnight Guest,'' a macabre comedy about a skinflint Maine host who exacts a terrible price for a night's lodging. In Harry Kemelman's ``Time and Time Again,'' a visitor to the rockbound coast exposes a premeditated murder, supposedly caused by supernatural means. Each of the 14 stories is pervasive with the salt airs of Maine, variously eldritch, funny or a clever puzzle inviting fans to match wits with the detectives. Patricia Highsmith, Janwillem Van de Wettering, Charlotte MacLeod, Q. Patrick are among the contributors. (June)