Echoes

The supernatural horror elements in Hyman's second novel, after The Eyes of a Stranger , may not convince as thoroughly as Stephen King's but her story moves smartly. In 1992 San Paradiso, Calif., the mayor is prime suspect in a series of murders, a senator's wife receives pornographic photos of herself, an upright judge is reportedly hinting at a gubernatorial race--but all three know these ``facts'' are wrong. It's as if each has a double. Elsewhere in the world, Paris suffers earthquakes, a fanatic Ayatollah conquers Saudi Arabia and world leaders (including the U.S. president) are kidnapped at a summit meeting. In San Paradiso, reporter Laura Bennett learns that her long-dead father had been tormented by the devils in Goya's painting ``The Witches' Sabbath.'' Troubles climax in San Paradiso as these demons, who can ``echo'' anyone, turn to Laura as the Devil's potential bride. Enabled by inner strength to shrug off a fate worse than death, Laura nevertheless experiences horrors that would be even scarier as movie special effects. (Oct.)