In the Midnight Hour

Brooklyn news reporter Kate Murray, introduced in Strangers in the Night (1994), tries TV news after her paper takes a tabloid turn. Although she's frustrated by the station's focus on fluff, Kate hooks a real story when, during a raid, one cop from Brooklyn Narcotics is shot and killed by another cop--whose identity remains unknown. In the middle of the resulting mess is Detective John Finn, Kate's ex-lover. Even in his alcoholic haze, Finn realizes that the supervisor he loves ``like a brother'' is involved in the shooting and in some cozy dealings with the Chinese mob. While Kate and Finn edgily move toward reconciliation, Finn tries to shut Kate out of the police scandal. Kate and her camera crew are nevertheless on hand for the rousing, watery climax in Rockaway. Realistic settings, likable main characters and fast action make up in part for lack of suspense as Finn works toward a conclusion that readers are led to expect from near the beginning. (May)