Twilight of Heroes

Peters (Red Army) is closing in the big leagues of thriller writers with this convincing novel of international drug trade. After the mysterious massacre of a U.S. military team on a mission of mercy in remote Bolivia, the aging Col. John Church takes the blame. As a self-imposed penance, he also takes on the aborted mission and unwittingly becomes America's latest hero. What follows is a story of deceit, disease and despair that captivates even as it infuriates with its depiction of men betrayed. Don't be surprised if Peters's climactic battle scene, so penetratingly and movingly written, reduces some readers to tears. (Jan.)