Fatal Intentions: Sins of a Siren II

Alcutt's (Sins of a Siren) lackluster novel opens with Trenda Fuqua's release from prison where she serving time for the deaths of two "crooked cops." Back on the streets of Baltimore, she is in a precarious position%E2%80%93how to leave the street life behind when the heavily publicized coverage of her release has a web of old interests hunting for the green-eyed sexpot: revenge-seeking Beverly Kain, who blames Trenda for her cop husband's death; a relentless detective; an ambitious reporter; and a drug-dealer-wannabe police officer. Old friends offer only kinky sex or biblical quotations. Stalked by a drunk, assaulted by a cop, witness to a murder and shot at, Trenda seeks solace with her father, but instead uncovers painful family secrets and the rogue cop looking to blackmail her. The appearance of Trenda's astute friend, Mai Tai, revives the choppy and fragmented storyline providing an explosive and emotional ending, but it is too little too late. Despite a clever premise and an alluring protagonist, an awkward beginning, ho-hum action, and bumpy transitions hinder the reader's enjoyment. (Aug.)