Bad Guys

Izzi's debut in The Take was enthusiastically praised, and his second novel (not to be confused with one of the same name by Anthony Bruno, published by Putnam in May) deserves more praise for its fully dimensional characters, wicked wit and heady pace. Set in Chicago, the action starts and never lags when Sgt. Jimbo Marino, as an undercover detective, comes up with evidence against the mob. Unfortunately, the city politicos, avid for publicity, insist that Jimbo appear on a TV-news program while they boast of his success. That means GiGi Parnell, the worst of the bad guys, recognizes the detective who had sent him to prison 10 years earlier. Now free, GiGi is bent on vengeance, robbing and killing former pals who betrayed him, all the while making plans to murder Jimbo. Insulted by offers of police protection, the sergeant trusts his super-machismo (his screen idols are Cagney, Wayne et al.) and resolves to go mano a mano against the psychotically clever hood. Jimbo does, however, have a few friends and a fiercely lovable female Doberman, Sparky, to rely on when GiGi makes his frightening move, creating incredible suspense at the height of the author's faultlessly delivered adventure, an irresistible attraction for crime-fiction buffs. (July)