Physical Evidence

Taut and fast-paced, this medical thriller is the second collaboration between former Los Angeles County chief medical examiner and a veteran suspense novelist. Featured again are former L.A. County coroner Dr. Eric Parker and Mike Steenbargen, colleagues in their forensic investigations firm. Attractive, exasperating Leah Wechsler has retained them to find enough evidence to compel an autopsy of her mother, who has died, presumably of pneumonia, at Havenhurst nursing home and been posthumously decapitated. Her head has been frozen for future revival by Freeze Time; the rest of her remains are slated for cremation in 48 hours. After a nurse who attended Mrs. Wechsler is found dead, Parker becomes a target for murder as he uncovers a trail leading from the nursing home to Freeze Time. At the same time Parker must deal with the ethics of testifying as expert witness for an accused serial murderer and with his responsibilities as a divorced parent of a young son. A high-energy tale, replete with authentic medical detail. Troll Book Club selection. (Mar.)