Fault Lines

Another dilly of a thriller by Edgar Award-winning White (Tightrope). Ex-cons (and former cellmate lovers) Chris Moore and Dwight St. John are trying to finance a Mexican treasure hunt by robbing Los Angeles liquor stores. Former NYPD detective Bryan Murphy, in early retirement after a heart attack, is attempting to restore a Topanga Canyon house and fight off terminal boredom. He befriends Tray Detaglio, another ex-con who's seeking Kathryn Daily, the mother of Tray's child, whom he has never seen. Kathryn meets Chris and Dwight and ropes them into heisting a half million dollars from her Mob ex-boyfriend Stanzione. White skillfully draws them all together in a violent climax. The smooth, intricate plot is enhanced by deft characterization and sharp observations of social mores. Combined with a breakneck pace and understated dialogue, this results in a first-rate narrative a la Elmore Leonard. Even the harsh ending is right on target. (July)