The Stalking Angel

Not until after her young husband dies in an explosion in Paris, does Anna Simon learn that he worked for a Jewish organization that tracked down former SS officers. Becoming obsessed with his mission, she determines to destroy the four men she believes had him killed. Her first move is to Texas where she studies self-defense and marksmanship with former CIA agent Hank Wallace. Lessons well learned, Anna first kills an Illinois businessman whose Nazi background no one suspected. Her next victim is the owner of an art gallery in Amsterdam. As the FBI and the Netherlands police pick up Anna's trail, Hank realizes he has fallen in love with his protege and follows her back to France, where she confesses the true nature of her activities. Although he is unsure he should be involved in Anna's crusade, Hank's concern for her safety keeps him with her as they track the remaining Odessa members. This thriller from the author of The Judas Factor is well paced, but flat characterization and shallow, formulaic plotting dull its impact. (September)