The Corregidor Tape

There are conspiracies aplenty in Ryan's (The Cap?icorn Quadrant) new tale, plus enough murder and mayhem to satisfy even jaded addicts of gore. This intriguing yarn pits two Americans against Chinese drug lords and a turncoat Yank agent bent on launching a rocket to destroy world leaders on a floating hotel off Australia?s Great Barrier ReeL Cas Bonner, a macho marine biologist in Manila, rescues feisty TV anchorwoman Elizabeth Forsythe from pursuers. Both are suddenly up against the awesome Green Tigers Triad Organization, whose members have already garroted Forsythe's photographer brother. In the Triad's employ is Jack Stanford, a former operative with the Drug Enforcement Agency. Stanford orders a search and destroy mission against Bonner and Forsythe when he learns they have two computer disks detailing guidance data for the rocket launch. Sometimes Ryan's language is grandiose, as when Bonner sights the rocket: Like the biblical prophet's apparition, Stanford's missile was alive in the heavens. Still, Ryan is a sure spinner of adventure and this novel, combining raw energy, exotic locales and an almost egalitarian romance, never lets up. (Oct.)