Utmost Good Faith

Brokers at Lloyd's of London insure ships in the utmost good faith, but it's more than their livelihoods that stand at risk in this international thriller. Broker Leo Turner uncovers a scheme that will bring ruin simultaneously to Lloyd's, the state of Israel and his brother, Rogerwho is at wit's end with a project of his own and not remotely interested in Leo's ``heresay.'' So Leo and a memorable investigator named Mal Harris set off to thwart the plans of ruthless Greeks and Arabs. Events take perilous turns in Mediterranean hotel rooms, Arab ports and deep in the holds of a supertanker. Turner keeps one step ahead of the sinister plot, but it doesn't seem possible that he'll survive to be rewarded for his bravery. Shakespeare's debut is deliberately paced and expertly detailed; its ending is a knuckle-biter. (Jan.)