Pattern Crimes

Bayer's latest thriller may surpass even his Edgar-winning Peregrine and bestselling Switch (basis of a TV series) in popularity. A large cast and many layers are involved in the new novel, set in Jerusalem. David Bar-Lev of the city's criminal division exhaustively pursues each lead in a series of murders in which victims are similarly marked. Since David and his team of detectives find no other connection as they investigate the ""pattern crimes,'' the mystery seems insoluble. But David widens his approach, contemplating the fight for dominance of Israel by zealots in religious, military and political factions that disrupt the ancient city. Eventually, the detective and his dedicated force uncover a monstrous plot as well as the means to prevent a crime that could destroy the state. This labyrinthine novel exploits sex, violence and matters of conscience in the persons of David's lover Anna; her former lover, a Soviet defector who comes to Jerusalem; disillusioned war heroes and other well-realized characters. 60,000 first printing; BOMC alternate. (May 18)