The Golden Orange

In this comic and deeply moving story, Wambaugh holds the reader a willing hostage to events in the bibulous, rowdy, daring life of Winston (Winnie) Farlowe. When an injury ends his police career in California's Orange County, Winnie works at odd jobs--and indulges in vodka-inspired pranks. On probation after his latest escapade, the anti-hero avoids the place where prudence might have led him, an AA meeting, and instead rushes to join drinking buddies at a favorite saloon. There Tess Binder, an alluring divorcee, seeks the notorious ex-cop; she wines him, dines him and takes him to bed. Although both lovers are in their 40s, and survivors of broken unions, Tess belongs to a world as foreign to Winnie's as Tibet: the Newport Harbor's ultra-rich yachting crowd. The poor guy can't believe his luck, but trusts in his lady's ardent love, never suspecting the scam she plans for Win nie him as she holds him in thrall. The action quickens, rushing to a stupendous climax that concludes a novel virtually sure to be hailed as Wambaugh's best. BOMC alternate; first serial to Los Angeles Magazine. (May)