The Boss's Wife

Computer whiz Jack B. Noble has a nice little scam going. Tapping into the central data system of his employer, Metrobank, he controls a high-tech pyramid that moves CD funds into a dummy account he has set up electronically to collect interest. But this is nothing compared to the multimillion-dollar leak Metrobank's auditors have discovered. Most of the intrigue in this fast-paced L.A. crime novel involves Jenny Harris, the boss's wife, who piques Jack's interest when he looks inside a bag of her personal effects mistakenly left at the office and discovers $25,000 in crisp new bills. Soon Jack finds himself following Jenny, rescuing her from a suicide attempt and falling in love with her. Trying to help her fend off a blackmail attempt, he becomes the prime embezzlement suspect and a murder target; he must elude the police and the real embezzlers while he clears himself. Although astute readers may quickly guess who is behind all the mayhem, Stebel ( Spring Thaw ) provides enough plot twists, computer tricks and zippy dialogue to produce a top-notch thriller. ( July )