The Highest Form of Killing

Chemist Derek Thorn, his student and paramour Sylvia Cooper, and Sylvia's former boyfriend Mark Little stumble across clandestine, government-sponsored chemical weapons experiments while investigating the mysterious death of Derek's sister. When the threesome's search for the truth is stymied by an official cover-up, the conflict between their evolving romantic triangle and their opposing political and moral opinions brings events to a mesmerizing, tragic climax. In this ambitious work, Rose attempts to blend intrigue and action with amatory interludes and philosophical debates. Except for a few awkward transitions and one or two heavy-handed conversations, he pulls it off with considerable style and verve. The English seacoast settings and thoroughly British tone make this riveting thriller especially captivating for Anglophiles. Ages 14-up. (Oct.)