cover image Naja

Naja

Julian Jay Savarin. St. Martin's Press, $16.95 (252pp) ISBN 978-0-312-03969-1

Eager to ensnare ``Naja,'' alias of an international assassin who dons many disguises, British Intelligence sets an elaborate trap to enlist the aid of retired operative Gordon Gallagher, an easygoing chap who'd rather be driving fast cars and dabbling in photography. The scheme involves temptress Rhiannon Jameson, whose brother, a deep-sea diver, has stumbled on a tunnel beneath the North Sea containing secret weapons in which Naja may be interested. Two other divers disappear, and attempts are made on Gallagher's life. Naja's subcontractors mow down one character after another. When the arch assassin kidnaps Rhiannon, Gallagher must slay a two-headed dragon--rescue her and discover Naja's true identity. Savarin ( Hammerhead , Gunship ) spices a convoluted plot with socko action, undersea turbulence and a surprise ending in this clone of James Bond thrillers. (Feb.)