The Hunting of Mr. Gloves

This top-notch procedural by the pseudonymous Daniels (who also writes crime novels under his real name, Peter Chambers) pits a successful young businessman who commits robberies for thrills against the instincts of an experienced police officer who is confined to a desk job while recovering from injuries. Adam Holden, who travels throughout England for his company, is certain he'll never be caught at his ``hobby'' because he limits his convenience-store holdups to fairly small amounts and never robs twice in the same police jurisdiction. But Detective Sergeant Frank Gardener, temporarily collating and interpreting computerized crime reports, recognizes the pattern. Enlisting the aid of an insurance agent and the computer systems of several major insurance firms, Gardener develops a profile of the robber he dubs Mr. Gloves. The computer predicts where he is most likely to strike next. But other factors are at work: Holden receives a promotion, which will curtail his traveling, and he discovers his wife is unfaithful with a TV news reporter--who stumbles on Holden's collection of newspaper clippings about the robberies. Daniels's realistic approach to modern technology shows how humdrum human problems, such as manpower and time constraints, can affect its applications. His very likable policemen also provide what is probably a true-to-life ending. ( July )