Brave Hearts

This entry in the Carolyn Hart classics series, a romantic thriller first published in 1987, has some of the hallmarks that characterize Hart's mature mysteries, but fans of her Dead on Demand series (Dead, White, and Blue, etc.) should be prepared for a run-of-the-mill apprentice work. In May 1941, Catharine Cavanaugh, whose ambitious diplomat husband, Spencer, has a plum assignment in London, falls in love with an American newspaper man, Jack Maguire. Later in the year, Spencer is transferred to the Philippines, along with Catharine. Jack follows them to Manila, soon occupied by the Japanese army. Initially depressed, obedient, and passive, Catharine finds courage, strength, and love in adversity, though contemporary readers may find her more pathetic than sympathetic. The male characters act predictably and show little development. The vivid Philippine setting and stirring historical events are a plus. (Aug.)