Reaper

Set in Miami Beach, Cline's ( Prey ) ninth novel concerns the tracking of a psychopathic serial killer by a retired cop. The killer, Jaydee Reaper, a Southern charmer, has been warped by a mother who was obsessed by the astrology column written by Violet Day. Lorraine Day, who has taken over the column from her mother, hires ex-cop Ken Blackburn as her bodyguard, since Reaper has been forcing his victims to pen letters to her before he does them in, missives which he then mails. The plot moves briskly, building a good deal of tension in the incendiary climax. While Ken and Lorraine are interesting characters, the book really comes to life when Reaper is on stage. Cline's mixture of romance and detailed detection produces an involving thriller mildly reminiscent of the work of Thomas Harris. (Nov.)