THE SCARED STIFF

At the start of this comic get-rich-quick novel, Barry Lee and his gorgeous South American wife, Lola, are a happy, loving couple who have never realized the financial successes they believe they are entitled to. As Barry puts it, "The moneymaking schemes, the trends we latched on to, the brass rings we kept reaching for, none of them ever worked out." When they decide an insurance scam will lead them to their pot of gold, they are in for trouble, and the reader is in for suspenseful fun. In need of some quick cash, Barry is dismayed to learn that his term life-insurance policy has no turn-in value while he is still alive; the only sensible thing is to lose his life in a tragic accident, which will result in double indemnity and a huge windfall for his "widow." The plan he and Lola concoct involves visiting her home in Guerrera, where she has a multitude of relatives, all of whom quickly become aware of his scam and eagerly await their share of what they expect to be millions of dollars. There are schemers, crooked police, sexy ladies and beautiful scenery, plus hairbreadth escapes from Lola's relations and a hilarious, tense dinner when Barry, wearing one of many disguises, must play it cool while an insurance agent discusses running down his case. The book, colorful fun throughout, ends a bit too suddenly but satisfactorily, especially with a final paragraph that manages to assuage readers' consciences about rewarding the wages of sin. (Jan.)

Forecast:The fact that Carmichael is "the pseudonym of a bestselling author" might stir some interest among fans of mystery capers, especially if the writer's identity is finally revealed.