Adversary

In this lively thriller by the pseudony+mous Kabal (aka H. S. Bhabra, who +wrote the well-received Gestures, the +plot spins along handily, and if the au+thor's early light touch descends to +gore and heavy breathing, the novel is +still entertaining. ""Chas'' Winterton, +Cambridge paleontologist and 10-year +resident of Egypt, discovers the last +testament of St. Peter in an obscure +Coptic monastery. His fame, if not his +fortune, is assured only if Chas can get +the will authenticated. For that he ap+plies for funding from David Medina, a +slightly sinister billionaire. Taking an +interest in Chas's discovery is jaded +CIA agent Adams; the Vatican, repre+sented by the murderous Fr. Paolozzi, +is also involved. Against a background +of terrorist bombings blamed on the +Copts, Chas is rebuffed by Cambridge +experts, framed for murder and soon on +the run and unsure of anyone's loyalty. +The desert, the delta, Cairo and Alex+andria are all vivid backdrop as Chas is +seduced, threatened, tortured and al+most suffers a fate worse than death. +One hopes to see more of the appeal+ing Chas. (March 30)