The Boss's Wife

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Computer whiz Jack B. Noble has a nice little scam going. Tapping into the central data system of his employer, Metrobank, he controls a high-tech pyramid that moves CD funds into a dummy account he has set up electronically to collect interest. But this is nothing compared to the multimillion-dollar leak Metrobank's auditors have discovered. Most of the intrigue in this fast-paced L.A. crime novel involves Jenny Harris, the boss's wife, who piques Jack's interest when he looks inside a bag of her personal effects mistakenly left at the office and discovers $25,000 in crisp new bills. Soon Jack finds himself following Jenny, rescuing her from a suicide attempt and falling in love with her. Trying to help her fend off a blackmail attempt, he becomes the prime embezzlement suspect and a murder target; he must elude the police and the real embezzlers while he clears himself. Although astute readers may quickly guess who is behind all the mayhem, Stebel ( Spring Thaw ) provides enough plot twists, computer tricks and zippy dialogue to produce a top-notch thriller. ( July )

Library Journal

Bank employee Jack Noble is good-looking, and a whiz with computers. When the new boss, also a computer genius, asks Jack to deliver a bag to his wife, the young man is lured into a series of events that include deception, lust, blackmail, double- and triple-crosses, and murder. Jack, who has been ``borrowing'' money via creative computer transactions, becomes the fall guy for a terribly complicated plan involving the mysterious and sexy wife of the title. The very fatal attraction and inevitable chase are spiked with enough surprises to propel the plot at a dizzying speed. An enjoyable romp by the author of Spring Thaw (Walker, 1989).-- Robert H. Donahugh, formerly with Youngstown & Mahoning Cty. P.L., Ohio