Kiss

Tropical Heat and Scorcher two of Lutz's 13 superb police proceduralsintroduced Fred Carver, a Florida police sergeant until a crippling bullet ended his career. Although dependent on a cane, he is a successful private eye, now investigating rumors about Sunhaven Retirement Home. Offering every comfort and pleasure to the elderly residents, the place seems ideal. Yet the detective finds reason to be suspicious of several deaths attributed to heart failures by Sunhaven's staff. Carver also senses that cheery young Birdie Reeves is nervous in her role as receptionist and affectionate friend to the retirees. He hopes to learn secrets from Birdie but the dominating woman in charge of the home, Dr. Macklin, and rough head nurse, Nora Rule, order guards to evict Carver and keep him off the premises. The order is backed up by a sudden attack by gigantic Raphael Ortiz who beats the investigator mercilessly and smashes his cane, leaving him helpless. Even though he must crawl, however, Carver refuses to give up. The grip on the reader is relentless until the final, entirely unforeseen shocker rings down the curtain on Lutz's best novel so far. (September)