THE COURIER

This edgy debut from restaurateur-turned-author MacLarty opens with a premise worthy of a first-rate medical thriller: Pär Olin, a Swedish researcher, discovers that the weight-loss drug Mira-loss, which has helped more than 30 million people shed pounds, causes fatal liver damage. The author quickly abandons this premise, however, and turns his tale into an international chase caper. When the drug's manufacturer is warned of the impending medical holocaust, the company brass mobilizes to keep news of the deadly flaw from reaching the FDA or the press. But Olin makes an extra set of discs containing the smoking gun information and puts them in the care of professional courier Simon Leonidovich. Simon, a man who's willing to transport anything anywhere if the price is right, soon finds himself hunted not only by the drug's manufacturer but also by a vicious killer named Retnuh, who wants the discs for personal profit. Leonidovich is a fascinating character, as is his sister and partner, Lara. The two share a feisty but loving chemistry, and their witty dialogue and unusual line of work make them ideal candidates for a series. Though the book is not the medical thriller it initially appears to be, it is still a taut, enjoyable ride. (June 3)

Forecast:Web marketing and print advertising in USA Today will herald the publication of MacLarty's book, but none of these promotional gambits speak as loudly as Pocket's plans to push The Courier at BEA. Expect wide review coverage and solid sales.