Unnatural Causes

Noguchi (Coroner), the former Hollywood coroner whose celebrated cases included inquiries into the deaths of Marilyn Monroe, Sharon Tate and John Belushi, and Lyons, author of nine Jacob Asch mysteries, have produced this realistic thriller about the baffling death of a renowned comic. John Duffy has wealth, fame and a hit TV series. When Duffy drowns at his Malibu beach house, Eric Parker, chief coroner for Los Angeles County, first rules his death an accident, but subsequent investigations indicate otherwise. Suicide is a strong possibility, since Duffy was depressed, left a suicide joke in a notebook, used cocaine and behaved erratically. Nevertheless, Parker suspects foul play upon learning that the deceased star had enemies in the entertainment world. After two individuals associated with Duffy die under peculiar circumstances, Parker decides to focus on one key questionwho wanted John Duffy eliminated? Successfully incorporating the expertise of each author, this unusual, gripping novel includes details of autopsy procedures, intriguing case histories and the intricacies of forensic pathology. The story proceeds briskly, contains vivid character portrayals and is suspenseful throughout. Paperback rights to Berkley; Troll and Detective Book Club main selections. (April)