Firm Ambitions: 2a Rachel Gold Mystery

An amorous and energetic aerobics instructor named Andros comes to an untimely end in the third outing for St. Louis attorney Rachel Gold (after Grave Designs and Death Benefits ). It turns out that Andros has been romancing a number of his students (porno pictures provide evidence), among them Rachel's sister, Ann, who becomes one of the suspects. Together with her mother (with whom Rachel now lives) and her raunchy sidekick Benny Goldberg, Rachel delves into a complex network of Andros's business and personal connections, persevering despite death threats, obstructive witnesses and noncooperative attorneys. Kahn, a lawyer himself, has a keen eye for details, both legalistic (Rachel is merciless to those less intelligent) and familial. Although the pieces fit together a bit too neatly toward the end, Rachel remains one of the more engaging sleuths on the mystery scene. (July)