The Green Reapers

For the third time, Welsh author Jones ( Saving Grace ) constructs a mystery of such depth that it tests the limits of the genre. This story finds Inspector Evans and Sgt. Beddoes under orders from the ``Funnies'' (British Intelligence), who are searching for Irish terrorists after a bombing in London. Sent to Ireland, the partners survive dangerous encounters but become embroiled in far worse crises back in England. A Libyan and an Irish terrorist hold Evans and others hostage, doomed to die if the government refuses to free convicted killers, the terrorists' cronies. Throughout the narrtive, blistering suspense leaves readers grateful for the author's lusty humor, particularly at the staggering close. Evans and Beddoes are memorable heroes, exemplifying true friendship as well as Jones's genius for creating characters so real that one all but hears and sees them. (May)