Yesterday’s Echo

Coyle’s promising debut introduces ex-cop Rick Cahill, a tarnished knight who battles internal and external demons. Cahill now ekes out a living in La Jolla, Calif., managing Muldoon’s Steak House, but has lots of baggage. His police officer father was kicked off the La Jolla force in disgrace 25 years earlier, and eight years ago Cahill was arrested for his wife’s murder. One night at Muldoon’s, he rescues a damsel in distress, TV reporter Melody Malana, from a guy who was about to assault her. For her safety, Cahill takes the captivating Melody home to his place, where they make love. When Melody later disappears, a pair of thugs beat Cahill up because they think he knows her whereabouts. Coyle breaks no new ground, but Cahill turns out to be both tough and resourceful when forced to confront his past. Readers can hope his future will be brighter. (May)