Friendly Fire

Z (Tempest) pairs an eccentric businessman and a former Army Ranger in this well-constructed contemporary set in Denver, Colo. Elliot McKenzie needs a good security system, as someone is trying to make him pay for past misdeeds. He calls in Lennox West, a soldier turned security specialist, and the two men are stunned by love at first sight. Interspersed with the romance is a fast-paced mystery around Elliot’s stalker, who poisons Elliot’s dog and leaves a dead snake on his doorstep. He and Lennox race to solve the puzzle before they run out of time. The author drags a believable red herring across the story toward the end. Snappy dialogue, a host of endearing secondary characters (most notably Lennox’s daughter, Lee), and a surprising twist make the tale appealing, though the plot lags in several places. (Oct.)