Crystal Death: A Conor Bard Mystery

Realism isn't the strong suit of Edgar-winner Kipps's second police procedural featuring NYPD Det. Conor Bard (after 2009's Hell's Kitchen Homicide). Bard, who still hopes his music career will become viable enough to enable him to leave the force, interrupts a gig to respond to a high-profile murder scene. Someone has slit the throat of "stunningly beautiful" Israeli diamond dealer Zivah Gavish in her Manhattan apartment, leaving dozens of diamonds scattered across her body "like a galaxy of stars in a night sky." Suspects include a South African cop, Hendrik Kruger, who used to belong to a special police unit known as the Scorpions; and a fellow diamond dealer, Stanley Silberman, who hoped to have more than a professional relationship with the victim. Bard must also navigate having an attractive woman as his new partner. Other clichés include a serendipitous opportunity for Bard's music to hit the big time and a torrid affair with a witness. Readers will find few plot surprises. (Sept.)