cover image Let Us Prey

Let Us Prey

Bill Branon. HarperCollins Publishers, $22 (296pp) ISBN 978-0-06-017759-1

Self-published in 1992, when it made the New York Times ``Notable Books of the Year'' list, Branon's fast-paced and altogether engrossing debut thriller will most likely achieve bestsellerdom this time out, given the impressive promotional support of a trade publisher. The premise alone--a plan to destroy the IRS by killing its employees and blowing up its centers across the nation--is enough to capture the public imagination, but the well-etched characters should really start word-of-mouth fires. Mitch and Ram, a pair of professional hit men who are a lot craftier than their employers think; Kevin Ball, a rogue priest with shady connections, and the young hitchiker who finds her way into his heart; Rayburn Varki, a libertarian terrorist who directs the IRS strike; a pair of elderly Florida motorists who play a surprisingly significant role in the denouement--they all mingle with a raft of pols, prostitutes and assorted tough guys in this violent and raunchy crowd-pleaser. Authentic technological know-how about weapons of every sort, insights into Vegas gambling and several cynical surprises add to the fun. Likely to be one of the Big Books of 1994. 100,000 first printing; $150,000 ad/promo; BOMC and QPB selection; author tour. (Feb.)