Wrong Man Running

Illogical plot developments mar this mystery debut from film director and former lawyer Hruska (Borrowed Time). Lawyer Eric Corinth has returned to the Manhattan district attorney's office from private practice to serve as the Chief Assistant DA, but things start falling apart for him after he's given a rape case to handle. The victim, Helen Cassenov, a Columbia psychiatry professor, whom Corinth happens to know, was humiliated by her attacker, who has apparently struck at least once before. The deviations from common sense start early. Though Corinth receives the Cassenov file from his boss and mentor and it's a high-profile case, the ADA doesn't even skim the police report naming the victim for well over a day. As the same perp claims more victims, all having some connection to Corinth, he becomes the chief suspect. Awkward prose ("But I knew how spectacular the beauty was of which this gown gave only a provocative suggestion") doesn't help. (July)