The Last Scoop: A Clare Carlson Mystery

In Belsky’s captivating third Clare Carlson mystery (after 2019’s Below the Fold), Clare, the news director of a New York City TV station, looks into the death of retired journalist Marty Barlow, her friend and mentor when she was a cub reporter. Marty stopped by her office one day recently to tell her he was working on the biggest story of his life. Before they could meet up to discuss it in depth, Marty was killed in an apparent random mugging. Clare, however, believes his death is the result of his research into a possible serial killer, and she soon realizes that this could be the biggest story of her career as well. Clare’s clear-eyed narration (“I am a woman who deals in lies for a living”) propels the story, balancing dynamic action with contemplative passages that reveal her complicated personal and professional life. Belsky’s experience as a journalist provides fascinating insights and a sense of authenticity. Readers will look forward to seeing more of doggedly determined Clare. Agent: Nalini Akolekar, Spencerhill Assoc. (May)