Lone Star Heat

Angst and guilt keep company with political corruption and Baxter's trademark dysfunctional characters in her latest after Southern Fires. Talk-show hostess Juliana Reed is reunited with her ex-husband, Texas Ranger Gates O'Brien, when her roommate, Margie Bowers--who was also campaign manager for Gate's brother, Rusk-- is poisoned after absconding with Rusk's incriminating ""little black book."" Whoever killed Margie will stop at nothing to retrieve the book--even if it means offing Juliana. To Juliana's chagrin, Gates insists upon acting as her bodyguard until the killer is found. Close proximity ignites old fires, helping Juliana and Gates come to terms with the death of their five-year-old son. While it's no mystery who was behind the accident that killed their son --the shortcomings in plot and originality are counterbalanced by Baxter's crisp dialogue and fast-paced narrative. (Sept.)