SHORT TAKES : Spillane Asks Troops Whodunit

Mickey Spillane has written a special potboiler for South Carolina troops in Saudi Arabia, and those who solve the mystery have a chance to win free air travel or hotel accommodations.

“This little story is just a way to keep the guys reminded of Myrtle Beach,” said the author, a World War II fighter pilot and resident of nearby Murrells Inlet.

The mystery contest designed to entertain members of the 354th Tactical Air Force, based at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, features eight weekly installments with clues leading to the whereabouts of a former South Carolina beauty queen after a fictional kidnaping.

The story will be sent to military officials via facsimile machine for distribution to the aspiring pulp-fiction detectives.

Those who put together the clues qualify for a grand prize of two round-trip air tickets and several runner-up prizes of hotel accommodations.

“Once they get home, they’ll be able to go on a vacation or take a trip to visit their parents, whatever they want,” said Maj. John Elrod, who came up with the idea.