This is an older mystery from 1980....It is written by Leley Egan who was the pseudonym for such authors as Elizabeth Linington; Egan O'Neill and last, but not least, Dell Shannon.
A little shocking to read this book in 2011 -- it's really hard to believe that only a little over 30 years ago, a high-ranking "female detective" was still expected to type the reports for her male compatriots. Unabashed racism and gender bias abounds and the story, by today's standards, is lame and predictable. A victim of its time. I don't remember things being this prehistoric in 1980, but am grateful that this sort of behaviour shocks us today. Shudder.
This book is in descent shape. I liked it. I think whoever gets this book will enjoy it.