Death Warmed Over

Fans of Deb Ralston of the Fort Worth Police Department will miss the gripping suspense that marked her appearances in Martin's ( Murder at the Blue Owl ) earlier novels. While enjoying an afternoon plane ride, the pregnant, 42-year-old Deb and her husband, Harry, a helicopter test pilot, spot a burning car and a pickup truck with someone in the front seat on a rural road. After landing, they discover the body of Roy Bassinger, part-time mailman, who has been shotgunned to death. Joined by Postal Inspector Otto Castillo, Deb begins her investigation with a visit to Patrick Kelly, owner of the torched vehiclea classic '57 Chevy. But they find Kelly's murdered corpse along with that of a missing child. Kelly's death reawakens Deb's memories of sophomore year in high school and her association with his family. Through retrospection and legwork she discovers the link between the homicides and the vintage auto. Readers of this competent procedural will find reward in Martin's crisp prose and her warm, refreshing heroine. (Nov.)