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Few mistakes annoy a reader more than reaching the end of novel and realizing they've wasted all the time invested. Robert J. Randisi's novel, "Blood on the Arch," needed a better editor. This isn't the author's first attempt; he had three thrillers and four westerns published prior to this clumsily-plotted mish-mash of poorly-painted characters. Maybe the earlier works were better, since one was listed as a "bestseller" of some sort.

The jacket's review blurbs, including one from acclaimed author John Lutz, provide gushing testimony to Randisi's prowess in plotting, suspense, and writing skill in general. Perhaps they were taken out of context. Sometimes you simply have to wonder how a book got published at all; this is one of those times.

How many ways can one author ruin a good novel?

1. Bland setting. The story clearly takes place in St. Louis, revolving around the title's referenced Arch. We learn some route numbers and suffer a few descriptions of ordinary neighborhoods. Other than that, the reader is left with very limited feel for the city. Interior scenes are equally uninspired. Key meetings take place in a sad assortment of stereotypical diners populated by lousy waitresses. Very original.

2. Predictable plot. Forget unexpected twists, foreshadowing or diverting subplots. This story plods along a linear path so ordinary and dreary that no sensible writer would bother following it again.

3. Faceless protagonists. Top cop Jon Keough runs the murder case. His partner, Al Steinbach, lends support. How tall are these detectives? What type of clothes do they wear? Are they tough guys? Hard to say. If those details were supplied, they were entirely forgettable.

4. One-dimensional victim. He was rich and mysterious and politically active behind the scenes. He had a hot, money-grubbing wife and slept around. That's pretty much it.

5. Two-dimensional supporting actors. The good guys are mildly troubled, slightly overweight, often distracted and always under some mysterious pressure to perform well in their jobs. The bad guys are slick, devious, arrogant but ultimately incompetent. Several desirable women muddy the waters in various states of sexual allure, betraying the men around them in the usual ways. The Mayor is an assertive, self-confident upright African American who knows how to get things done. Wow, how original.

6. Needless character conflicts. Keough's girlfriend doesn't appreciate the time he spends working the case instead of snuggling with her. Turns

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