Murder at the Opera: A Capital Crimes Novel

Bestseller Truman's 22nd D.C. mystery (after 2005's Murder at the Washington Tribune ), one of her strongest, opens with what looks like a simple crime of passion: a promising young Canadian opera singer found dead at the Kennedy Center's Washington National Opera. Criminal lawyer turned law professor Mackensie Smith and retired cop Ray Pawkins both happen to be at the theater when the body is discovered, both there as extras in an upcoming production of Puccini's Tosca —Mac pressed into service by his wife, Annabel, and Ray involved because of his love of opera. While the two put their talents to solving the case—which turns out to involve corrupt talent agents and international terrorism—Truman widens her scope to reveal a charming supporting cast including fictitious U.S. president Arthur Montgomery. Opera buffs will enjoy the Tosca anecdotes and occasional glimpses of intelligence gathering in the Middle East lend a timely feel. (Nov.)