Willeford, Charles - Understudy For Death

Richard toils the graveyard shift at the small town rag in Florida.
He has a wife, a son, yet he works nights so during the day he can polish his play.
Been working on that play five years already.
The managing editor assigns him a story about a local murder / suicide.
Young mother, who killed her two children before herself.
Richard is a piece of work, antagonizing most everyone he encounters.
Likely his wife Beryl most all. Beryl is Southern belle down to her heels and wonderful to read.
The book is another left field title from Hard Case Crime, as there is no crime, aside from suicide which generally distresses most folks.
Lot of carnal bouncing in this, although not graphic (originally published in 1961).
Similar to John Dexter fare, or titles from Candid Reader or Late-Hour Library.
While the narrative meandered and muddled along, I did enjoy it.
Not necessarily main character Richard, but the supporting characters and especially his sly bride.