Max Truebld& J

Max Trueblood is the best hit man in the business. Jeremiah Donahue (the ""Jersey desperado'' of the title) is a foot soldier in the organized crime syndicate run by Raphael Tadzio. The latter wants Trueblood dead and, impressed by Donahue's moxie and ambition, picks him for the task. Unfortunately, Donahue has never ``iced'' anyone before and accidentally befriends Trueblood as the hit man is in the middle of the latest ``job.'' This presents an interesting problem for Donahue: should he kill his friend, or let him live and run the risk of getting both of them killed by Tadzio's vengeful henchmen? Other characters include two cops, one old, one young, who are marvelous foils for the two outlaws, developing something like a friendship with them. White (Tightrope, etc.) tells an exciting and unusual story and, moreover, modulates the tension with humor and wit. (April)