Conrad Voort, the richest and best-looking detective in the NYPD, is back in the fifth entry of what is becoming one of the genre's most interesting and exciting series (Dead For Life
; Irresistible
; etc). Voort and fabulous fiancée Camilla are kayaking the treacherous waters of Hell's Gate, a rough spot on the East River, when they come across a dead body in the swirling water. Voort's subsequent investigation of the floater leads him to Ted Stone, a wealthy, corrupt lawyer working at the highest levels of the United Nations. Ted's in trouble—the body's only part of it—and he's hired deadly mercenary Leon Bok to make all his problems go away. Bok, a workman worthy of his hire, quickly captures Voort, breaks him psychologically and convinces him that he should take a vacation while Ted and Bok finish up important business. Voort comes to his senses and returns early from his enforced vacation to confront both his mental and physical demons in a cataclysmic confrontation with Bok and his team of hired killers. In a world of fictional cookie-cutter cops, Voort's a true original; scenes from his childhood help explain his sometimes almost supernatural abilities as a cop and his utmost devotion to the Voort clan. It all adds up to a riveting read, sure to please Black's growing ranks of satisfied fans. Agent, Esther Newberg.
(Aug.)
