The Authenticator [SIGNED COPY, FIRST PRINTING]

Meet Theo Nikonos, private investigator of near-death experiences. When it comes to weirdness, Theo's seen it all, but he meets his match when he falls in love with a beautiful young woman who just happens to be dead--almost.

For reasons unknown, near-death experience superstar Laura (who knows how many times she's died?) is kept in a drug-induced stupor and strapped to a table, hidden away. Theo discovers that her unseen captors not only believe her near-death experiences are real, but seek to use them for their own insidious purposes.

Theo knows something's up but has to jump through flaming hoops--boulders, bullets, and other nastiness--to get at the truth. As Theo races to liberate Laura from her mysterious captors, he realizes that the forbidden knowledge she holds may result in "the big sleep" for them both. Psychic meets psycho in this fast-paced novel that explores life, death, and the darkness in between.

A near-death experience supplies the basis for this fast-paced mystery that features Theo Nikonos, a former insurance claims adjuster now working freelance for the Institute for the Investigation of Anabiotic Phenomena. Theo's mentor at the institute, Prof. Pierre DeBray, sends him to examine Laura Duquesne, a young woman who has experienced an extremely detailed near-death experience after a fiery car accident. Drawn by her beauty and helplessness, Theo reluctantly agrees to aid Laura in the search for her husband, Harrison, who by all evidence died in the car accident-but who actually survived, if what Laura learned in her near-death experience can be believed. Both Theo and Laura risk their lives in pursuit of Harrison and in their effort to prove Laura's claims. After several murders close to home, they must face the truth of Harrison's whereabouts as well as their feelings for each other. Never mind some stereotypical bad guys and a predictable ending. Valtos, whose previous novel, Resurrection, also dealt with near -death experience, provides not only an exciting detective story, but an enticing view of the afterlife that will leave readers pondering, wondering. (Feb.)

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Valtos's Authenticator is a compelling story narrated by Theophanes Nikonos, an investigator into near-death experiences (NDE). Sent to interview NDE survivor Laura Duquesne, Theo quickly becomes fascinated by her tale: Laura insists that her dead husband is still alive and that she was sent back to save him. Theo is skeptical at first but is impelled to investigate further, particularly after two thugs beat him up and abduct Laura. Who is trying to cover up the truth? Did Laura really die and come back to life? Will Theo be able to protect the beautiful woman he has come to love? Valtos (Resurrection) has a writing style that is immediately engaging and very readable. Part mystery, part visionary fiction, Authenticator is a solid choice for most public libraries.
-Laurel Bliss, New Haven, CT
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.