Deadly Masquerade

When a city prosecutor is killed in an alley, the prime suspect turns out to be Joey Abella, an upstanding cop who was assigned to be the prosecutor's bodyguard. Fearing for his life and hoping to find proof of his innocence, Joey flees the scene of the murder. Detective Nick Abella, Joey's older brother, senses a frame-up and joins forces with Internal Affairs officer Kelly Wylie to find Joey and get the real story. A definite page turner, Tillis's debut offers some interesting supporting characters: a Cajun gentleman, Jean Le Beau; alcoholic father Sandy Abella; and a mysterious ``Scorpio.'' During the course of their investigation, the detectives learn more about each other, and despite their best efforts to maintain a professional distance, they find it increasingly difficult to resist their mutual attraction. Unfortunately, with all the twists and turns of what develops into a controversial political investigation, Nick and Kelly don't have much time for romance. Although suspenseful, this African-American novel will probably leave hard-core romance fans feeling a little disappointed. (June)