THE CRIMINALIST

Mourning the tragic death of his new bride and fearing he's lost his psychic abilities for good, self-proclaimed clairvoyant Kenneth Bennett takes a leave of absence from his position in the Department of Neuropsychiatry at St. Louis's Washington University, ostensibly for a relaxing road trip through California with his sister. Meanwhile, detective Rachel Siegel must find a serial killer ominously dubbed the Pied Piper, whose rampage has terrorized the small town of San Patricio, Calif. When a terrifying vision causes Ken to crash his car, landing him in the hospital, the pair cross paths, and Ken gives Rachel information that leads her to yet another victim's remains. Adding to the plot's already palpable suspense, Rachel is officially taken off the case, and Ken admits to having "faked" his powers in the past. The point of view shifts among law enforcement authorities, Ken and the killer, allowing readers access into the minds and motivations of each. Relling's dialogue is pitch perfect, and his integration of literary devices like news reports, dream sequences, sermons and personal letters is seamless. Despite having published only a handful of titles (Deadly Vintage , etc.), Relling has the prose and plotting skills of an old hand. (Nov.)