Missing Persons: A Kate Conway Mystery

O'Donohue, the author of the Someday Quilts series (The Double Cross, etc.), puts her real-life expertise as a freelance TV writer and producer to good use in this sharp first in a new series. Late one night, Chicago TV producer Kathleen "Kate" Conway receives a surprise phone call from Vera Bingham, the mistress of her soon-to-be ex-husband, Frank. Frank, a 37-year-old artist, has collapsed after playing basketball all afternoon in the park. The two women meet at the hospital, where they learn Frank has died of an apparent heart attack. An autopsy, which reveals too much digitalis in his system, suggests murder. Kate's personal and work worlds collide as she learns more about Frank's affair with Vera and starts looking into the disappearance of 22-year-old Theresa Monetti, a popular community volunteer, for Missing Persons, a new crime TV show. A well-constructed plot, credible characters, and an insightful exploration of the grieving process make for an absorbing read. (May)