Cassidy

The author of The Shoes of the Fisherman, Proteus and other bestsellers has written a curiously disappointing novel, one that has the ingredients of a riveting story of political and personal power but never develops its potential. In Charles Parnell Cassidy, West has created a marvelous character, a tough, unscrupulous Irishman who is a kingmaker in Australian politics. When he dies, his son-in-law, Martin Gregory, is charged with clearing up the leftovers of Cassidy's career, both public and private. As Gregory explores this labyrinth of deals and secrets, he learns how deeply Cassidy worked both sides of the law in building an empire, which Gregory, faced with a Faustian choice, must decide whether or not he wishes to inherit. For all the deadly secrets that are uncovered, however, this is a bloodless book, because West fails to raise it to the exciting intrigue-filled novel it might have been. (October 17)