Hot Water

In this sequel to Rock Bottom, Brockovich and Lyons take their heroine, A.J. Palladino, back to her hometown of Scotia, W.Va., where she has settled after the tragic death of her son’s father. A.J. and her new environmental investigation business partner, Elizabeth Hardy, meet prospective client Owen Grandel, the arrogant owner of a revolutionary nuclear power plant that harvests life-saving medical isotopes in South Carolina. Owen wants to hire A.J. to persuade protestors that his plant is safe despite several minor accidents. Betraying her ideals, A.J. flies to South Carolina with Owen to face the protestors a few days before her son David’s 10th birthday, a decision that betrays her ideals and alienates both David and her best friend, Ty. Meanwhile, David’s paternal grandfather devises a sinister plan to get custody of David. After David overhears the plans, he sets out to save her, just as a religious zealot threatens to sabotage the reactor and “bring forth Armageddon.” In spite of a few stereotypical characterizations, this environmental thriller will keep readers hooked. (Oct.)