A Very Venetian Murder — Haughton Murphy

Hot New York fashion designer Gregg Baxter didn't reach the top without drawing blood. When his big promotional bash in Venice fizzles, not everyone is unhappy. And when he's stabbed to death on a lonely Venice street, few tears are shed.

To those elegant Manhattan crime busters Cynthia and Reuben Frost, vacationing in Venice, it's clear that Baxter could drive anyone to kill. Especially those who work for him: talented Tony, Baxter's protege and former lover; beautiful Tabita, his favorite model and Tony's present lover; Doris, his much-abused assistant; Dan Abbott, his frustrated partner; and a clutch of others. The stumper is they all have solid alibis.

In this cerebral challenger, Cynthia and Reuben not only resolve a sensational murder that couldn't have happened, they also enjoy la bella vita in the world's most beautiful city.