Now You See Her, Now You Don't: A Shifty Lou Anderson Novel

The good news is that Shifty Lou Anderson, the professional magician with nearly a second career in horseracing, is back (after We're Off to See the Killer). Upon seeing tall, redheaded Megan Starbuck at Hollywood Park, the immediately smitten Lou wangles an introduction. The daughter of a semi-retired horse-trainer, Meg works PR for Wayne Copeland, near-legendary movie cowboy who heads America One, a right-wing group that seems intent on grabbing for their leader the 1996 Republican presidential nomination. Meg's sudden disappearances continually interrupt her affair with Lou, to whom she finally admits that she's undercover for the FBI. After Copeland's retiring, alcoholic wife is murdered, Lou noses around and Meg warns him off. Then rumors circulate linking Megan and her boss romantically. Even with the colorful California racing scene lovingly detailed, the bad news here is the plot's abrupt, disappointing finish which, despite its suggestion of more to come, will leave readers feeling cheated. (Oct.)