Death Ticket

Like the thrillers that have won Bennett two MWA Edgars and other awards, his latest is a cliffhanger. Gilbert (Gil) Ward obeys orders in a letter from his older brother Gareth, burying half a winning lottery ticket enclosed in the envelope. Against the strong warnings of the boys' aunt and uncle, their guardians, Gil leaves his suburban home to meet Gareth in New York City. Gareth is bitter, a loner, because he was born a dwarf and he knows people believe he's as evil as he looks. But Gil loves his brother and is prepared to help him, even though he suspects Gareth of larceny. Is Gareth or the holder of the other half of the ticket lying? Each accuses the other of trying to collect the prize, $6 million. The threat of death at the hands of ruthless gunmen and their alluring female accomplice binds the brothers together as the eerily suspenseful story races to a dire climax. (12up)