And Baby Makes None

New York City attorney Seymour Lipp agrees to help a young woman retrieve the baby she has given up for adoption in this uninspired mystery. Lipp visits the woman's father, Paul Morrissey, who, angry that his daughter Tricia had been seduced by one of his construction workers, had prevailed upon her to relinquish the baby and then arranged the adoption. Lipp learns the identity of the adoptive parents, Jack and Rachel Lowery, and tries to persuade them to return the baby without a legal fight. But the intense Vietnam vet and his stalwart wife are not willing to cooperate, and matters are complicated by Paul Morrisey's apparent suicide. Suspecting murder--the Lowerys, Tricia and the baby's father all have motives--Lipp must walk the thin line separating the roles of lawyer and investigator. While Lewis ( Monkey Rope ) provides an interesting surprise in his workmanlike resolution, a choppy writing style makes much of the story tough going. (July)