Carnivores

This first novel introduces an author of rare ability and a background that provides authentic details of police work. Once a member of the homicide division in Salt Lake City, Levitt creates Jason Coulter with the same credentials, as narrator of a terrible story. Coulter invites lovely Jennifer Lassen to stay at his house, where he can guard her from Brian, her abusive former live-in lover. The detective also fears that Jennifer could be abducted by criminals who have been raping and killing women in the Mormon capital. The new housemates are mutually attracted, but Coulter frightens Jennifer when he beats Brian and humiliates him mercilessly. The lovesick detective still hopes to wed Jennifer, and when she disappears, he becomes more dangerous than the maniacs he stalks. Flashes of humor leaven the dreadful incidents that are the core of a rave-worthy mystery. (Mar.)