Shades of Dynasty
color this formulaic offering from former TV news anchor Dempsey (Falling Star). Not only does the novel focus heavily on money and power, but the characters, who are mostly upper crust inhabitants of Monterey County, Calif., all fit distinct molds. Brilliant Latina spitfire Alicia Moldonado, a deputy DA, despises the wealthy but can't help feeling attracted to charismatic television newsman Milo Pappas, who's equally attracted to her. Like many a soap opera hero, however, he's easily duped by a pretty face and a sob story, which makes him putty in the hands of his ex-girlfriend, Joan Gaines, a racist heiress and schemer. After the gruesome murder of Joan's politician husband, she cozies up to Milo. Though Joan manages to sink her claws into him, the befuddled newsman still tries to make headway with Alicia, who's on a mission to determine whether the man accused of the killing is truly guilty. Not surprisingly, Alicia doesn't trust Milo—he's the son of an ambassador, after all—and Joan's devious machinations further complicate their relationship. With its overheated story line and one-dimensional characters, this trite tale is more suited for daytime TV than nighttime reading. (Aug. 5)
