Speak the Dead

A bloody murder-suicide kicks off this fast-paced thriller from McKenzie (The Fear in Her Eyes). Jersey Castle, a neo–punk rock drummer, who also happens to be a Portland, Ore., homicide cop, heads the colorful cast, which includes Sally Wilson, a psychic mortuary worker who chooses to practice her art in the darkest hours of the night and offers a course in postmortem cosmetic techniques; Jersey’s stylish police partner, Amarela Valente; and Amarela’s gorgeous chum, Kameelah. In due course, the action moves to a Jonestown-like religious commune in North Dakota, where Sally is held captive. Jersey and Kameelah set out to rescue Sally, only to need rescuing themselves, which arrives in the form of a squadron of Harley-riding, leather-clad, shotgun-wielding rainbow-haired nuns. Interludes of brutal beatings administered to the hapless Sally appear at frequent intervals. Readers who long for the leering sexuality and sadism of the old weird terror pulps will be rewarded. Agent: Amy Moore-Benson, AMB Literary Management (Canada). (Sept.)