cover image Neon Tough

Neon Tough

Tony Kenrick. Putnam Publishing Group, $19.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-399-13392-3

Hugh Decker, U.S. Drug Enforcement agent, is in hot water with his boss after muffing an assignment. To his surprise, instead of dismissal he is sent to Hong Kong to run down the killer of another DEA agent. In his search for the motivation behind the murder, Decker matches wits with powerful Far East businessman Arthur Murdoch. A visit to Hong Kong by Prince Charles and Diana gives Murdoch the cover he needs to plan an incredible scheme with international ramifications. Decker's probe links Murdoch to the slaying and drops the investigator into a web of deceit, drugs and degeneracy. Though it takes too long to reach the meat of the story, this thriller tingles with biting dialogue and forceful characterixations. Kenrick ( China White ) is an accomplished storyteller, who carefully hones his narrative to produce a gripping tale. (Nov.)