Special Interests

In this first novel by a Washington, D.C., journalist, a realistic, complex and interesting account of politics and journalism in the capital circa 1986 is marred by undue emphasis on the overblown psychological conflicts of the main characters. Cynthia Matthews, staff reporter for Capitol Radio, is recovering from a love affair with a corrupt lawyer, who had seduced her to prevent revelation of his misdeeds. (Cynthia wrote the expose and lost the lawyer.) Jed Farber is also wary, having divorced a wife who loved only his money and social status, and his political connection as favorite son of Iowa Senator Frederick Barker. Cynthia and Jed are drawn together after she stumbles on a story involving a potential client of Jed's and illegal use of industrial chemicals. When a reporter uses a tape of an interview Cynthia conducted that exposes Senator Barker as a bribe-taker, it threatens to destroy the relationship with Jed, who assumes Cynthia was using him to further her career. The political and journalistic elements of the plot offer less angst, more interest. (May)