GRIM GROW THE LILACSMarion RandolphHolt ($2). The egregious second wife of a rural Maecenas, having antagonized assorted artists living at his country place, is poisoned. A cynical art critic confesses to the crime, but a lady skeptic works out her own theory to a satisfactory finish. Find-of-the-month for readers who appreciate intelligent writing, well-realized characters, sound plot.
TRIAL BY FURYCraig RiceSimon & Schuster ($2). When a Wisconsin legislator tumbles dead down the courthouse stairway, it sets off a crime carnival in a sleepy town. Criminal Lawyer Malone saves his friends from a hick sheriff and trails the killer through three more murders...