Chapel of the Ravens

Bishop ( Sand Against the Tide ) scores a smashing goal chronicling the deadly games played out by the men and women connected to the Los Angeles Ravens soccer team. Bishop's passion for soccer and his belief in the value of sports keeps the reader rooting for the home team. Goalie Ian Chapel loses one eye and his career with Britain's World Cup soccer team when kicked during a game by West German player Kurt Wagstaff. Isolated by self-pity, Chapel nonetheless agrees to the request of his old SAS commander, Sir Adam Qwale, to investigate the murder of the Ravens' goalie. Despite his handicap, Chapel will assume the dead man's position on the team.. Returning to L.A., he finds Wagstaff now a member of the Ravens--a minor irritant compared with the big-league troubles served up by the sports complex owner, his two warring daughters, Irish terrorists, soccer hooligans and corrupt sports officials. Bishop's rendition of the play-by-play action is engrossing. In addition, a female goalkeeper for the Ravens is a fully realized character whose spirit and romantic appeal elevate this sports thriller beyond macho posing and the celebration of male bonding. (Aug.)