Crystal Curtain

This unorthodox blend of suspense, the supernatural and a tender romance succeeds because Bayer compels readers to care about Stephanie Nowland and Marian Damiano, the heroines and lovers of her explicit first novel. Stephanie is blessed (or burdened) with the ability to receive psychic impressions and often uses her gift to find dead bodies and dead souls, the slain and the slayers. Stephanie is asked to reveal the corpse and murderer of Betty Jean Warren, a young woman who has been brutally raped and fatally stabbed by Frank Talbot, a psychopath who later escapes from jail and seeks revenge on the ``bitch'' who sent him there. Touches of gore will set readers' teeth on edge, adding to the mood of terror Bayer creates when the monster Talbot stalks Stephanie and Marian in their own home. If Bayer allows one coincidence too many in keeping rescuers away while Stephanie utilizes psychic powers to keep the mad dog at bay, the author is easily forgiven as the action moves swiftly and forcefully to its horrific conclusion. (July)