The Cross-Eyed Bear Murders — Dorothy B. Hughes

Alone in New York City, a young actress becomes entangled in an international caper

Lizanne Steffasson used to dream of life on the Broadway stage -- that is, until she came crashing down to Earth. Having decided to aim lower, she dreams simply of being able to pay her rent -- which is why she responds to a strange ad in the newspaper: “Wanted: A beautiful girl. One not afraid to look on danger's bright face.” Lizanne is neither beautiful nor fearless, and she's about to come face-to-face with a most fearful danger indeed.

When the Swedish billionaire known as the Cross-Eyed Bear died, he left his three sons' inheritance in a trust, to be collected when the youngest turned twenty-one. But just before his birthday, the youngest son disappeared into the wilds of New York. Now, the estate lawyer wants Lizanne's help finding him. Lizanne knows more of the story than her new employer realizes -- and she cannot trust anyone if she is to come through the mission alive.