Wolfman

In this ambitious update of the werewolf myth, wealthy Philadelphia stockbroker Loring Weatherby has a host of serious mental problems that make him extremely dangerous. Vaguely, then painfully aware that his already uninspiring personality is deteriorating, Loring goes into therapy with psychologist Margaret Priest. Meanwhile, detective Nate Mercanto is trying to find out who has been killing and mutilating people in an affluent Philadelphia suburb. He enlists the help of anthropologist and voodoo expert Erin Fraser, who has observed people assuming wolflike behavior in Haiti. According to Fraser, the phenomenon is caused by schizophrenia and spirit possession and Loring, of course, confirms her theory. He is possessed by an Old Testament angel who orders him to kill whenever (as in Psycho ) he is attracted to a woman. This spells trouble for Margaret, among others, but improbable luck has Mercanto hot on the trail of the werewolf. Bourgeau ( The Seduction ) creates a fair level of tension, but intrusive ``scientific explanations'' impede the novel's pace and effectiveness. (Nov.)