SHED A BITTER TEAR

Character crime, rather than mystery, in which Leila Grove, outwardly meek and neuselike after years of servitude to a rich father-in-law, turns to murder in the hopes of inheriting handsomely. One of a numerous, internecine family of sons and daughters, Leila plays on their antagonisms and vulnerabilities, directs suspicion wherever she can, is forced to kill again and is then forced to suicide after overplaying her hand. No pulse raiser -- but different.