Rain Will Come

Holgate’s energetic if ugly debut pits Paul Czarcik, a booze-swilling, coke-snorting detective with the Illinois Bureau of Judicial Enforcement, against vigilante Daniel Langden, a brilliant researcher with an inoperable brain tumor who has no inhibitions about killing criminals who injure children. Once Paul, who hates the fact that criminals too often escape justice after they’re apprehended, realizes what Daniel is doing, he severs his constricting ties to the law enforcement system and goes off in full pursuit of the killer. He’s aided by Daniel’s attractive wife, whom he almost—but not quite—trusts after she gives him the files that list her husband’s next targets. The narrative alternates between the two men’s point of view, allowing the reader to watch Daniel carrying out what he considers his morally justified mission while Paul chugs along behind trying to stop him. Sharp observations of setting and character sometimes enliven the distasteful proceedings. Those with a high tolerance for gore will best appreciate this one. (Mar.)