The Come on

The second mystery by the author of The Kiss Off is a lighthearted, very funny glimpse into the underworld. Fast-talking wise guy Frankie Fontana runs a ``family'' restaurant--that is, it's neutral turf for the mafiosi who patronize his place. When he is unlucky enough to win a bet with a mob enforcer, he is coerced into taking an all-expenses-paid trip to Atlantic City, where his luck seems to change. He meets beautiful and mysterious Roxanne Ducharme; wins big at the crap tables and even bigger--$325,000--in a private poker game with a ``shylock with bad luck.'' When the poor loser threatens to get even if he finds the game is crooked, Fontana, Roxanne and the cash make a dash back to New York City, but they are stopped by three bumbling heavies, and a series of mixed-up but life-threatening events ensues before Fontana discovers that he has been set up as the patsy in a mob power struggle. Lively, authentic dialogue and a breakneck pace make this a thoroughly enjoyable performance. (June)