You'll Die Today

 You'll Die Today (1979) by Marjorie J. Grove

Maxine "Max" Reynolds is a Hollywood gossip columnist who seems to attract murders wherever she goes. Her last two assignments wound up with murders that she helped solve and which gave her gossip newspaper terrific scoops. When her editors send her to cover a film opening in San Francisco they mention that they wouldn't mind if she brought home another big story. But surely it won't be a case of third time a charm (maybe that should be jinx)...or will it?

It will. She's all set to meet Carson Stamp, the film's producer, when he's scheduled to appear on a late night radio talk show. But he doesn't appear and she winds up being interviewed in his place. When the hosts switch to taking caller question an indistinct voice comes on to ask:

"--do you know that Carson Stamp is dead, Miss Reynolds?"

At first Max and the hosts think they've got a crank on the line, but the caller starts giving hints about where to find Stamp's body and Max begins to believe them. The clues are a bit obscure and it takes some time for her to figure them out, but she eventually realizes that they point to a particular phone booth in Chinatown. Beside the body are a handful of pink unstruck matches and tiny balls of foil--more clues?

When Shelby Duncan, a fellow columnist who was on Max's list of people to interview in connection with Stamp's murder, is found with the same items beside it, Max is sure the matches and foil must mean something. And she better figure out what quick, because the murderer has her on the list of victims. As they tell her the next time she appears on the radio show:

"I understand you found Shelby Duncan's body this afternoon....I was wondering if you know that you're next on my list?"

Max works with Lt. Brogan to interview suspects and track down clues--clues that are given to the reader through both the story and the illustrations that accompany it. And, in the traditional detective fiction style, there is a grand wrap-up scene with all the suspects gathered in the radio station. Max does herself proud and brings the crime home to the killer...as well as producing another killer story for her paper.

I'm very proud of myself--I picked up all the clues in this Zebra Puzzler. The mysteries aren't terribly complex and generally I can spot the killer, but I don't alway spot all the clues that are given. I got them this time, though. These books are perfect for when you want a bit of challenge, but aren't expecting complex plotting or intricate motives. A nice, simple little murder plot with pictures. And a good, solid ★★★ book.

First line: Max Reynolds was still sleeping when the phone began ringing.

Last line: It was cold and dark and she was sitting very close to Rob and that was enough.
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Deaths: 4 (one heart attack; three shot)