Al Stewart

Rather than gothics or sci-fi, Stewart goes for historical novels, and as long as he shuts up about Nostradamus--who inspired last year's Past, Present and Future, you'll remember--I say good for him. Well, actually the historical note is limited this time out to one song about Lord Grenville and references to Leonardo, phantom harlequins, etc. The prevailing tone is more spy-novel. I ask you, did Eric Ambler have an ear for melody? (Grade: B-)