Reliable NYPD Lt. Norah Mulcahaney, who's been on vacation for O'Donnell's last two Gwenn Ramadge novels (The Raggedy Man, The Goddess Affair), is flourishing, with a newly adopted son and a passing grade on her captain's exam. The case that brings her back--a rash of suicides among her colleagues on the force--will probably bring her fans a lot more pleasure than her.