Furnished for Murder

The question of who killed the piano teacher sustains reader interest despite a lackluster supporting cast. Westchester County furniture salesman Leo Perkins believes uppity musician Harmon Parrish, who tutors his daughter, has pocketed his gold cuff links. After trailing Parrish and inquiring at other households in which the pianist teaches, Leo has his suspicions confirmed and phones the police, only to find himself prime suspect in Parrish's recently discovered murder. Leo's wife had been seen cavorting with Parrish; others recognized Leo's car following Parrish; one of Leo's cuff links was found near the body. To Leo's rescue comes his chess coach, Russian emigre Jacob Barzeny, once a Soviet policeman. He and Leo combine chess strategies and street smarts to flush out the killer. Barth ( Blood Doesn't Tell ) spins an above average yarn in which Barzeny, the most engaging character, helps transform Leo from schnook to mensch. (Jan.)