Maximum Velocity

There's enough flash and a sufficient number of genuine jolts in this latest from Jones (In Deep) to make a fine action movie of the kind that appeals to teenage boys: it's full of explosions, grim deaths and prurient glimpses through bedroom windows. At the book's outset, a murderous Russian nuclear-materials peddler named Godunov has entered the country and set up shop in the Colorado wilderness, and the CIA's own psychotic superkiller, Frank Springer, has been released from jail to stalk him. Springer has his own agenda, however, and that's to get his ex-wife, Matty, and baby son, Nicky, back into his life so he can continue abusing Matty in particularly revolting ways. Matty has meanwhile married Chris Nielson, a former telephone lineman and good guy who becomes both the book's hero and dupe. He comes home one day to find his Colorado dreamhouse-a gift from Matty's ""rich uncle""-taken over by Springer, who produces evidence that the house and Matty are his and claims Nicky as his son. The authorities believe Springer and, worse, Matty appears to be playing along. It's a strong opening, but Springer is a silly, implausible villain, given to plummy speeches about violence and Russian military history. In the novel's most unlikely turn, Nielson meets a beautiful agent who plunks him down and explains the CIA to him, solemnly intoning that she'd be shot for saying more, then enlists his help in stalking Godunov. Here, of course, Nielson makes a glaring error of trust readers will see coming for miles. The episodes of violence are at least inventive and frequent, and they do keep the story whirring until Springer's gruesome end and Nielson's predictable success. (Dec.) FYI: Jones won the ""Upcoming Author of the Year"" award from the Bertelsmann Book Club.