This was published in 1973. It was written by Judson Phillips under his pen name of Hugh Pentecost, and is the ninth in the Pierre Chambrun series that take place in the luxury Beaumont Hotel in New York. The story is told from the viewpoint of Mark Haskell, the public relations man for the Beaumont.
Chambrun is the manager of the Beaumont Hotel, running it for the owner, George Battle. The two of them have known each other for many years, since they both helped the French Resistance, Battle with money, and Chambrun as a leader and fighter. During that time they were responsible for several deaths.
Multi-millionaire Battle, for the last couple of decades, has spent his life on the French Riviera, sequestered in his fortified chateau from the world and the dangers of people who want to kill him. Because of his choice to finance a movie, he decides to come to New York and stay at the Hotel, because he trusts Chambrun to protect him. He is surrounded by his doctor, personal chef, butler, bodyguard and personal secretary (who formerly worked at the Hotel). He takes over Chambrun's penthouse apartment, and his first night there he is shot at while in bed.
Chambrun, the police, and the hotel security try to figure out how the shooter got into the penthouse, and how he made his escape, without anyone seeing him. They also aren't sure if it was Chambrun or Battle who was the intended victim. This seems to be settled after additional deaths.
I have enjoyed several other Pierre Chambrun novels over the years, and this one is another enjoyable read. I did solve the mystery before the reveal, but still liked reading the book. The characters in the series are interesting, and I find the descriptions of the Beaumont and its inner workings fascinating.
This is part of my 2014 Vintage Mystery BINGO challenge--Silver--S--locked room mystery
This is part of my Mt. TBR reading challenge, as it was purchased in December, 2013.
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