Beach Blanket Books

New this week:

A SON OF THE CIRCUS by John Irving (Random House: $25). Irving revists a favorite topic: society’s outsiders. Upon his return home to India, Dr. Farrokh Daruwalla again crosses the path of a transsexual serial killer of prostitutes.

BROTHERS AND SISTERS by Bebe Moore Campbell (G.P. Putnam’s Sons: $21.95). L.A. banker Esther Jackson is gratified when another BUPPY rises to her rank. but her loyalties are tested when the new employee is accused of sexually harassing one of Esther’s friends, a white woman.

HOLLYWOOD KIDS by Jackie Collins (Simon & Schuster: $23.50). Jordanna and Bobby, second-generation products of the town’s fantasy-makers, are living the dream--but soon wake up when stalked by a murderer. (Available on audiocassette.)

SEAFIRE by John Gardner (G.P. Putnam’s Sons: $18.95). Bond has matured; he’s now head of the Double-0 unit and involved in a monogamous relationship with a Swiss agent. It’s going to take a two-career couple to avert the global castastrophe launched by a rising Hitler-type.