cover image Starcatcher

Starcatcher

Patricia Potter. Bantam, $5.99 (400pp) ISBN 978-0-553-57507-1

There are some sparkling scenes in this serviceable Scots romance set on the eve of the Restoration era. But just as Cromwell's time was politically and religiously grim, so is the lack of visual enjoyment in Potter's latest. There's lots of reiving, raiding and kidnapping goin' on, and lots of heroic, loving and ""braw"" lead characters. The overall tone is just too bleak--even with the inclusion of a pair of lovable ferrets--and readers who love the Highlands will be disappointed by the lack of physical description of its harsh beauty. Known until last year for her westerns (Diablo), Potter switched to Scotland with last year's The Scotsman Wore Spurs. (Dec.)