Captain Butterfly

Leuci, the former New York cop whose exploits were documented in The Prince of the City , follows up his first two novels, Doyle's Disciples and Odessa Beach , with this tense story about steely Captain ``Butterfly,'' Marjorie Butera, a 19-year veteran of the force. Assigned to the Internal Affairs Division, charged with finding proof of the corruption in the force, Butera's investigation focuses on vicious Inspector Ronald Janesky. But Janesky--in line for promotion to commissioner, with a record based on illegal arrests and torturing prisoners--is apparently untouchable. Captain Butera's fellow (male) officers fear Janesky and despise the Butterfly as a female snitch. Only her lover, journalist Charles Rose, supports her decision to expose the crooked cop. Leuci alternates steamy scenes of love-making with gritty slices of New York life punctuated by bloody, violent clashes before the decisive confrontation takes place between the evil, unprincipled inspector and his female nemesis. If the adventure is not entirely credible, it is exciting, fast paced and a boost to feminists. Film rights to Lorimar. (July)