San Francisco Gold

Gold rush-era San Francisco backdrops this rousing romantic suspense novel from the author of Mormon Wives. Tiny, red-haired Sophie, sailor, tough-gal and virgin, sails into San Francisco harbor in search of her sister, Annabelle. The city is a dirty and dangerous place; during Sophie's first foray off her ship, she is accosted by toughs but is saved by a gentlemanly--and gorgeous--pirate, Ruari McKay. Before long, Sophie links up with Annabelle, who turns out to be owner of a brothel and gaming parlor called the Painted Lady. Not unexpectedly, Annabelle sets her own eyes on Ruari, though the ensuing romantic conflict generally takes a backseat to violent intrigue involving a shipment of opium, Chinese tongs and white slavery. Characterization isn't Zavala's strong suit--the alleged psychic bond between the sisters doesn't wholly wash, for instance--but her local coloring is bright, her plotting is as engaging as it is bold and it's a pleasure to read of a heroine whose penchant for derring-do equals any man's, any time. (Nov.)