cover image The Juggler

The Juggler

Ian K. Martian, Ian Kennedy Martin. Trafalgar Square Publishing, $18.95 (192pp) ISBN 978-0-434-45152-4

When an eminent botanist is found drowned, an apparent suicide, his former student, small-time L.A. wine critic John Dolan, finds himself in the middle of an international conspiracy that could mean the end of civilization. Soon after Dr. Markovicz's death, a mysterious man offers Dolan $50,000 for his notes on the professor's lectures. Then Markovicz's tough-minded widow, terrified by threats on her life, turns to Dolan for help. After more murders occur and Dolan's own life is threatened, he manages to hide from his pursuers. But he quickly becomes aware that almost everyoneincluding the woman he's falling in love withis in on the game. Trusting no one, Dolan emerges from hiding to solve the dangerous puzzle, only to be caught in the professor's last, lethal trapand in a suspense-filled climax, Dolan's life is held in a deadly balance against the life of everyone on earth. Crisp writing and a fast pace make this book (by the author of Regan, Rekill, etc.) a satisfying read. (March)