Murder in Waiting

Richardson introduced his journalist-sleuth Gus Maltravers in his 1985 John Creasey Award-winning The Latimer Mercy. In this welcome second appearance Maltravers is thrilled to gain an exclusive interview with Jenni Hilton, a '60s singer/star making a comeback. But his investigative instincts are aroused when Jenni denies remembering a despicable record producer who plunged to his death from his plush high-rise apartment building in 1968. As Maltravers knows, Jenni was a key witness at the inquest which occurred just before she withdrew from the limelight some 20 years ago. And, as the title suggests, murder has been waiting in the wings ever since. Jenni's return coincides with the questionable suicide of an acquaintance of Maltravers. A threat to Jenni keeps the suspense alive as Maltravers investigates connections among a highly varied cast of characters ranging from the flamboyant owner of an exclusive dress shop to a self-made car dealer who is successful in business but miserably manipulated by the women in his life. Thanks to Richardson's skillful characterization, murders past and present retain their immediacy. (Sept.)