Murder in November

GRIM GROW THE LILACS--Marion Randolph--Holt ($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 FURY--Craig Rice--Simon & 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 to a surprise finish. Triumphantly rowdy and dexterously plotted.

FORTY WHACKS--Geoffrey Homes --Morrow ($2). An ax demolishes a flint-hearted female newspaper publisher in a corrupt California town. Private Detective Campbell's job involves political hatreds, long-delayed vengeance, and a smidgen of romance. High-velocity yarn, with gay dialogue and prime deducing.

PRESCRIPTION FOR MURDER -- Hannah Lees--Random House ($2). The death of a diabetic patient under expert hospital treatment starts a murder bee buzzing in the bonnet of a young doctor, who extracts sundry professional skeletons from aseptic cabinets, revamps blighted lives, and catches his man. Noteworthy for solid hospital background and a plot with interesting emotional ramifications.

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