The Short Caution

Coyne shows off some nice detective moves in this debut, though his story is often slowed by hamfisted jabs at humor (``Her blonde hair had no more black roots than Alex Haley''). In Birmingham, England, ex-cops Jack Mayo and Ralph Grice run a marginal ``non-profitmaking'' investigating firm. But the pace picks up when the stunning Theresa Johnson asks the pair to investigate the murder for which her husband has been jailed. While savvy readers will spot the killer of the young health club employee two-thirds of the way through the book, the action scenes carry the day. Coyne also throws in some intriguing twists, including an incest subplot involving the victim, and the activities of Theresa herself, who turns out to be a stripper with highly questionable morals. The downside is the author's incessant, hit-and-miss PI patter, which ranges from mildly amusing to lame and offensive. Coyne's inside knowledge, however, is obvious throughout and a bit of stylistic polish may yield a solid career. (Jan.)