Fatal Secrets

Publisher Willy Hanson is on the lam again in this follow-up to Fallen Idols. Onyx Lu, a bloodthirsty, sexually insatiable Chinese drug lord, is opening the Black Lamp in Hollywood, the first in her proposed chain of exclusive sex and cocaine clubs in cities across the U.S. Standing in Onyx's way is Willy, who helped set up a sting that nearly ended her criminal career. Willy is now hard at work on a book that will expose her burgeoning empire of sin. Forced to flee L.A. by Onyx's somewhat inept assassins, Willy and his girlfriend, Ginny Du Bois, set sail up the California coast, keeping in touch along the way with agent and confidant Reinard Gossman and private eye Coley Doctor. Finally Willy returns to L.A. to set a trap for Onyx. A few fistfights and chase scenes later, the two meet at the Black Lamp for the final showdown, which also sets the scene for the next installment in their confrontation. Despite annoying elements, such as the unbelievable premise of a two-fisted publishing executive and Chinese characters speaking in pidgin English, Arnote's diverting novel still hits home. (Jan.)