You're Better Off Dead — Peter Chambers

Mark Preston was hired to trace General Hudson's grandson, but the case took a twist when he found there were stolen paintings involved. Preston knew little about art, but he did know people, especially those like Quake who had the disposition of a rattlesnake. But the real trouble came when a weedy hopeful began to sell his daubings for big prices, and when beautiful Claire Hotchkiss came onto the scene. She was no connoisseur of art but she was not without talent either, as Preston hoped to discover - if he lived long enough.