Angel Prayer — John Johnson

Kelly Jantzen is confused. He has friends, is blessed with a good family and an attractive and kindhearted girlfriend, and at age twenty-six, he is the youngest and newest detective in the violent crimes unit of the Honolulu Police Department. He should feel satisfied with all that--but he isn't. he is uncertain about his profession, too casual in his relationships, and unable to make a commitment to the girl who would be his wife as he struggles over the goodness of his own heart.

When a young mother, on vacation in Honolulu, is killed in her hotel room, the equally young detective is assigned to head an investigation. The case becomes a well-publicized sensation. Confused as to why a novice would be chosen for such an important assignment, he pursues the inquiry as best he can.

Then a suspect is arrested shortly afterwards by one of his superiors, on a tip from an informant; and Kelly is shocked to learn it is a friend from the sixth grade: a social outcast, but in no way a murderer. It all seems too convenient, and soon it appears that someone in the department wants to cover things up for the Syndicate, Honolulu's version of organized crime. Moreover, his friend is the handicapped brother of Kelly's first infatuation, Angel Pereira, the girl he believes holds the key to fixing his heart. . .