When Rich Men Die

Author of several award-winners about the Depression-era sleuth Carl Wilcox (The Fourth Window, etc.), Adams launches a modern series starring another smart and witty hero-narrator, Kyle Champion. When he loses his post as a TV news anchor to a woman, Champion accepts an offer from old flame Daphne Fletcher, whose rich husband Oren is missing in Mexico. Sure that Oren is dead, Daphne needs proof to inherit his huge fortune. Now a private eye, Champion flies to Guadalajara after questioning Marigold Amsdecker at the Fletcher Foundation, the vanished philanthropist's charitable institution. Although he falls in love with her, the detective considers Marigold one of several persons who might have conspired to kill Oren. Upon arriving in Guadalajara, Champion is beaten and left for dead, the first of several attacks. But he won't give up and, during the search, adds to his list of suspects: Daphne's lawyer, who is obviously her lover; ""Jim'' Durado and his exquisite, grasping daughter Juanita. Shocking encounters, lusty humor and the glittering scenes of Mexico make this a real thriller. (June 5)