Jove Brand Is Near Death

L.A. personal trainer Ken Allen, the witty narrator of Crawford’s nicely plotted debut, had his first and only movie role as Jove Brand, super spy, in the stunningly awful Near Death. In the 18 years since, the family that owns the rights to the Brand character has turned the film franchise into a billion-dollar business. Ken agrees to provide comic relief on a TV show in which the current Jove Brand, Sir Collin Prestor, officially hands over the role to his replacement. Things go swimmingly until Sir Collin is found dead, his eyes gouged out and his throat crushed, the same way the villain died in Near Death. Ken shifts from person of interest to main suspect when a Brand mega-fan dies in similar fashion. The only way Ken can save himself is to step back into the role of Brand and search for the killer. Readers will have fun spotting the real-life inspirations for the characters, and the authentically described fight scenes will please martial arts enthusiasts. Hopefully, Ken will be back soon for a sequel. Agent: Lucienne Diver, Knight Agency. (July)