Curse the Darkness

The fifth mystery featuring Rain Morgan (after Guilty Knowledge ) is a highly original, satisfying tale. When Alf Wilson, an elderly screenwriter, ``invites'' his neighbors and gossip-columnist/sleuth Rain to discover his body hanging from his chandelier, it is an invitation for Rain to investigate whether the situation is a case of murder or not. In the meantime, novelist John Gower--whose success is thus far measured in positive reviews rather than in money--stages his own death in order to win publicity for his work. Unfortunately for Gower, the scheme works too well. While Gower's estranged wife and his agent reap the rewards, the author is left to hide in a remote cottage and later in an urban squatters' digs. He writes the masterpiece of his career, but finds himself leading a life increasingly similar to that of his own fictional main character. A mystery on two levels, with Rain's pursuit of the truth running parallel to the action in the false disappearance, the novel also examines the writing life as experienced by a journalist, a screenwriter and a novelist. A smashing conclusion brings Rain and Gower together in dangerous circumstances. (Aug.)