Jill Rips

The author of Brond sets his second novel in a city like Glasgow during the 100th anniversary of Jack the Ripper's notorious crimes. Imitating the London fiend, Scottish ``Jills'' torture and maim men, perhaps avenging victimized whores. Private detective Murray Wilson tests this theory, following clues in the city's reeking slums and, at the same time, checking on Irene, wife to his brother Malcolm. Lovely Irene, remarkably tolerant of Malcolm's unbridled womanizing, arouses Murray's suspicions, and he fears that his brother will be the fifth Jill kill. Lindsay writes poetically but often so obliquely that much of his meaning escapes the reader. On the other hand, descriptions of appalling people and of hideous perversions are all too clear. The author is adapting his books for British TV; unless drastically edited, this one will invite an X-rating. (May)