THE BITE

Cops-and-robbers fare pitting a Ramboesque hero against the usual swarm of outclassed baddies.

Feral, occasionally murderous, certainly unstable, possibly certifiable, Luther Ewing, making his second appearance (Red Rain, not reviewed), is a wild and crazy guy who fills body bags as if wired for that purpose. Fortunately for the sake of civilized society, he hates lowlifes, specifically drug dealers, and goes after them—in ways law-enforcement handbooks rarely advise—with decimating ferocity. That’s fine with politically minded Captain Dugal, head of narcotics for the Baltimore County Police Department, because Luther’s case-clearing makes his boss look good on TV. But even hotshot ex–Special Forces types have their off-guard moments, and when Luther’s caught in one, his collarbone takes a .45 slug that comes perilously close to taking him out. Which of his many ill-wishers wants Luther hors de combat just now? Before he can delve into that mystery, the convalescent has to contend with a more pressing one. Some strange people in Baltimore’s outlying bosky dells are cooking crystal meth in quantities large enough to attract official attention. Who’s behind it? Enter DEA agent Francesca Russo, tough, brainy, sexy, and oh-so-eager to partner up with Luther. Could she have a secret agenda?

Apart from the generous Anglo-Saxoning (verbs, adjectives, nouns liberally represented), there’s not much special claim on the attention.