Heroes Also Die

Likable, tough but tender private-eye Slots Reznick returns in Geller's new twisty thriller. It's action all the way in New York, set off when screen idol Nick Pinto is shot dead while arranging an anti-communist ""Rally for America'' with his wife Tanya, a Russian defector, and studio head Bert Sloan. A decorated Vietnam veteran, Tommy Noolan, confesses to killing Pinto as a phony exploiter of real heroes, and his conviction is certain. But Slots perceives holes in the solid evidence and agrees to investigate when Noolan's sister Carole Simmons swears he's innocent; although she's rude and on drugs, the detective senses truth in Carole's story. While working on the case, Slots survives attempts on his life and further endangers himself helping demoralized Bert Sloan when Tanya is seized and held for ransom. The wildly different characters make for enjoyable reading, and Slots finally solves the mystery after an explosive coda to the ``Rally for America.'' (May)