January in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

DIE FOR ME is one of those complex, many-layered books -- not to mention fat at 558 pages -- that are difficult to summarize. So here are some random thoughts about it.

The man with many names loves that moment when life leave his victims' eyes, even more than he enjoys making them scream for him. He carefully documents their demise; he's an artist and they inspire him.

The two main protagonists of DIE FOR ME are archeologist, historian and linguist Dr. Sophie Johannsen and Police Detective Vito Ciccotelli (sometimes known as Chick, which makes him and his partner Chick and Nick). Happenstance brings Sophie and Vito together when an old man with a metal detector discovers a body buried in a field, the first of many. With a couple of exceptions, the victims had obviously suffered greatly before dying.

A secondary character, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Agent Daniel Vartanian, becomes involved when a lead on the disappearance of his estranged parents takes him to Philadelphia. All three of these characters have gradually emerging backstories that give them depth. Actually, all of the many actors in the unfolding drama have unique, realistic personalities. Vito and his co-workers in law enforcement and forensics are vital in the ongoing discoveries. Vito also has a large and loving family (his sister Tess stars in YOU CAN'T HIDE, 4/06). Of Sophie's family members, few have been nurturing. She becomes a part of the investigation through her close connection with the medical examiner, a surrogate mother figure.

And then we have the villain -- what to say about him? -- he's evil personified. Is he also crazy? Maybe. If so, it's an orderly, methodical kind of craziness, but short of the brilliance he strives for. Who is he when not busy with his grisly chores? I changed my mind more than once.

The underlying tension level in DIE FOR ME is high, but it's balanced by the humanity of the good guys, by their friendships and caring. And also by the growing closeness between Sophie and Vito.

The really faint of heart may be tempted to skip this thriller, but as scary as the villain is, and as chilling as the suspense, for the most part Ms. Rose refrains from making us suffer through every excruciating pain and indignity the victims go through. Once we get to know them, it's enough that we understand intellectually what happens next and have the choice to rein in or let loose our imaginations. One sign of a great author is to know when enough is enough.

I haven't read as riveting a novel in a long, long time; there was no way to put it down without calling upon the utmost will power. I liked and connected with so many of the characters that I could relax for a while before being jerked back into the world of the serial killer. DIE FOR ME is too good to miss; just block out lots of time for it. It's worth it -- and worthy of an RRT Perfect 10.

Jane Bowers