BOOBYTRAP

Pronzini's veteran "Nameless Detective" expects fishing and relaxation at a Sierra lake resort. Instead, he must outwit Latimer, a deranged ex-con bent on destroying everyone responsible for his incarceration. Through journal entries we know what Latimer's plans are; Nameless's efforts to thwart them make for considerable tension, well conveyed by Sullivan. Slipping effortlessly from one persona to another, Sullivan is particularly adept at suggesting both youth (a 14-year-old boy) and age (a woman in her 70's). The manic reading of Latimer's writings leaves no doubt that the villain's personality is as explosive as his weapons of choice. J.B.G. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 99]