The Bad Angel

In his 22nd novel, the author of The Antagonists gives a zealous account of one man's attempt to start a nationwide war against foreign drug trafficking into America. Montana farmer Lee Rogers would never have run for Congress had his promising son Jack not killed himself by jumping off the roof of a building during an uncharacteristic drug trip. Worried that criminals are entering the hinterlands in search of new young victims for their spoils, Rogers takes his thirst for vengeance to Washington, wherebecause it is a slow news weekhe makes the cover of Time and becomes a national folk hero. As he tries to get Congress to pass a bill that includes a provision for shooting drug traffickers on sight, Rogers must also shelter his family from his enemies' threats and assimilate the unexpected advances of a young Capitol woman on the prowl. Reminiscent in spirit to Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, the novel occasionally falls into an embarrassing melodramatic anti-drug shtick. But Gann's narrative drive is still in top form, and his portrait of Washington through the eyes of an outsider makes the trip through the zeal-schpiel well worth the while. (October 23)