THE SWEET SHORT GRASS

Franco Corti of London's Art and Antique Squad (Tondo For Short) returns--but now he has changed his name to Frank Short, a move which worries him a great deal as he faces an array of more strictly professional problems. First of all, Frank's art-restorer Dad has given him a picture that turns out to be a Renaissance treasure worth millions--a definite embarrassment. Secondly, Frank's current case--investigating possible frauds by a big London dealer--also threatens to involve his father's art-restoring expertise: conflict-of-interest worries escalate. And then the senior Corti is found murdered (despite Frank's attempts to provide cockney bodyguards)--and, sure that the murder involves that crooked dealer, Frank (now relieved of his duties) must informally go on the sleuthing/ revenge trail. Minimal mystery--but adulterous, bi-cultural France/Frank is a lively, saucy hero; and the painting-forgery details (focusing on Hero di Cosimo and Botticelli) will make this a must for art-lovers who also like the chatty, racy sort of London-style copper caper.