Robert James 
Death Wears Pink Shoes 

Death Wears Pink Shoes, first published as a Crime Club book in 1952, is a New York City murder mystery. From the book’s synopsis: "The tenants of 17 Crane Street were a highly combustible lot, and when they came together fireworks usually resulted. A lively display was set off one particular night when Mrs. Gladys O’Leary gave a party. They played a game of writing down the names of animals which their fellow residents resembled, and one of the entries was odd. It read 'something dead.’ Later that night Mr Potterwait was found in his shabby apartment, a bullet through his forehead, and pink ballet slippers wedged awkwardly on his feet." Police detective Cherney investigates the crime, but the case is not solved until a second murder occurs. Robert James was a pseudonym for author Iris Little Heitner (1910-2003).