Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

The author of six mysteries featuring Inspector Bamsan Kiet of the fictional Indochinese nation of Luong (most recently Kiet Goes West ) changes venue for a new series starring Luis Balam, a Yucatec Maya. Mexican police think they have captured the serial killer who has been stalking women in Cancun's posh Hotel Zone: Proctor Smith, a Protestant missionary, was caught leaving the room of the fourth victim, prostitute Maria Lopez, who had a Mayan knife buried in her chest. Proctor's lawyer, Ricardo Martinez Rodriguez, hires Luis to investigate. Luis would love to pin the murders on Raul Estrada Estrada, who got him thrown off the police force, but Proctor isn't making it easy: he has no alibi and a talent for picking locks. When Maria's sister, Denise Lowell, swoops down from Seattle, ``raising hell and demanding answers,'' Inspector Hector Salgado Reyes copes by passing her on to his friend Luis. The pair readily take to each other and team up in this lively launch notable for its engaging sleuth and an assortment of colorful secondary characters, some of whom are clearly earmarked for return appearances. Copyright 1993 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Alexander, the author of the Inspector Bamsan Kiet mysteries, also christens a sparkling new series. This venture features freelance detective Luis Balam, an ex-policeman, tour guide, and Mayan Indian hired to investigate a Bible translator accused of murdering four young women at Cancun hotels. Wryly offbeat, sympatico , and typically Mexican in his acceptance of a petrified bureaucracy, Balam gathers evidence that results in a wonderful, cathartic chase scene. Promising great adventure, wit, and escape, this book is essential for all mystery collections.Copyright 1993 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

/*STARRED REVIEW*/ Mystery fans are in for a treat as Alexander introduces a new hero in this cleverly plotted, often uproariously funny story set in the Mexican resort town of Cancun. Luis Balam is a full-blooded Maya Indian, a devoted single father, and a former police officer whose smart mouth and high principles cost him his job and forced him into a career as a combination souvenir huckster/tour guide/private eye. When Luis' lawyer friend, Ricky Martinez Rodriguez, asks him to help find the killer who's murdering young women in Cancun hotels, Luis is glad to help, especially when the attractive sister of the latest victim shows up. The authorities have fingered a naive evangelist from Oklahoma as the killer, but Luis believes the young man was set up by Luis' mortal enemy, Raoul Estrada Estrada, and Luis won't rest until he's rounded up the killer and humiliated Estrada in a most ingenious fashion. Alexander is a talented writer who manages to capture the reader's attention right from the start with his vivid descriptions of Mexican life; his keep-'em-guessing plot and high-octane action; his rich assortment of quirky, quintessentially Mexican characters; and his ability to poke gentle fun at gringo tourists and macho Mexicans alike. A not-to-be-missed book. (Reviewed July 1993)0385468954Emily Melton From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.