Gallowglass (Onyx)
In ancient times, a gallowglass was the servant of a Celtic chieftain; in Vine's novel, it is Joe Herbert, a young drifter, recently released from a mental institution, who is mesmerized by Sandor Wincanton, an educated, handsome, but mysterious "swell" who wants Joe's help for a kidnapping. The intended victim is former model Nina Apsoland, the "princess" whom Sandor helped kidnap five years ago when she was married to an Italian prince, but whom Sandor freed after he fell in love with her. Now, Nina is guarded well--her current husband is an expert in security and he has hired the massive ex-teacher Paul Garnet as a combination driver and bodyguard. Written by a master in psychological suspense (Vine also writes as Ruth Rendell), this is a gripping tale. The spellbinding first-person narrative will carry readers briskly into the heart of the story, and while the ending is a bit of a shocker, teens who want more meat in their suspense will be well served by Vine. --Diana C. Hirsch, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, MDCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.