Fatal Command

Brand-new Silicon City is the locale of the sequel to McNamara's praised debut, The First Directive. Chief Robinson sets up the police department with the help of narrator Officer Fraleigh, ""The Block'' Schuster and Paul English, the chief's men in the earlier story, Mayor Richardson of the wealthy California enclave lures Robinson into an affair with a notorious singer, which leaves Fraleigh and his partners on their own, fighting hired killers and tracing the roots of a vile conspiracy. The plot contains enough shootouts, stabbings and sexually deviant escapades, assiduously described by Fraleigh, for two thrillers. Diluting the Ossa-on-Pelion pileup, erudite English and his rough pal The Block indulge in comic bantering, welcome relief. McNamara is Chief of Police in San Jose, Calif. Major ad/promo; author tour. (March 31)