DEAR IRENE, Tenacious and daring, newspaperwoman Irene Kelly will brave any danger to track down a good story.  But this time the story is stalking her. A letter from "Thanatos" reaches Irene's desk—a cryptic message prophesying the death of "Clio," the muse of History.  But what seems a prank at first turns deadly serious when a history professor is brutally slain.  And Irene soon realizes that a killer with a classical bent is using riddles to lure her into an inescapable labryrinth of terror—where the dedicated reporter must untangle the twisted roots of a maniac's rage...or die like all the others. * * * Read an excerpt. PRAISE FOR DEAR IRENE, "As fresh and chilling as a winter sunrise."    —Kirkus Reviews "Feisty reporter Irene Kelly returns to her California newspaper office to be caught up in another intelligent tale of danger and vengeance . . . Burke maintains firm control of ther intricate tale, leading readers along a suspenseful path to a dramatic conclusion."    —Publishers Weekly "Jan Burke is a hot new writer on the scene, and fans of Patricia Cornwell will appreciate her plot-driven tales . . . just the cup of tea for readers who enjoy thrillers with a female strong-hearted protagonist."    —Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine "Just dandy: a grower here, to be followed."    —Boston Globe "Kelly is a gutsy broad in the proud tradition of gutsy broads.  Burke has a nice feel for people and how they talk, get along and hurt one another.  The book is a good read.  It's likely you'll be hearing more about Irene Kelly."    —Dayton Daily News "[Burke] captures the atmosphere, the stress, the rivalry, the camaraderie and most of all the unique humor of the newsroom very well.  And best of all, she writes an exciting, well-plotted, edge-of-your-seat mystery."    —Indianapolis News