cover image Rock Critic Murders

Rock Critic Murders

Jesse Sublett. Viking Books, $16.95 (240pp) ISBN 978-0-670-82302-4

Redolent with the atmosphere of Austin, Tex., Sublett's gripping debut is rooted in his life as a bass guitarist in that city, mecca for hopeful musicians. Narrator Martin Fender, also a bassist, agrees to a gig reuniting the once fabulous ``True Love'' group long after its breakup, when lead guitar KC gets cash in advance from a tricky club owner. After a rehearsal, the performance is canceled because someone murders KC, and amateur sleuth Fender investigates a case that takes on bizarre proportions. Two rock critics are later killed, possibly for stealing a cache of cocaine and the 2000-pound bug landmark atop the local pest-exterminator building. Staying a step ahead of the killers and sexy Lorraine (a threat to Fender's lover Ladonna), the bassist proves his expertise in detecting and, not incidentally, explains why today's performers, composers and fans are enthralled by funky music. (May)