The Lessons

A serial rapist is assaulting Bay Area lesbians, and half-black, half-Mexican homicide investigator ``Tenny'' Mendoza joins with rookie Ashley Johnson and sexual assault detective Steve Carlton to crack the case. Lesbians Tenny and Ashley must confront the homophobic Steve as well as unmask the rapist before he can strike again. The ``lessons'' of the title are those learned by each of the main characters as they become more deeply involved and more vulnerable--as well as those the rapist intends to teach about ``what real love is all about.'' This first novel by experienced police officer McAllester is fast-paced and engaging, despite its often unpolished, grammatically awkward prose. Plot, not style, keeps the reader involved. The characters' voices are not well-differentiated, and McAllester tells more than she shows. At its worst, the writing is monotonous and choppy, providing only unconvincing evidence for the characters' emotions and actions. At its best, it allows the reader access to a unique voice and style. Indeed, the voice that does emerge most clearly is the author's, and her deeply held conviction that communication and cooperation can triumph over fear and violence forms the mainstay of this hopeful mystery. Author tour. (May)