Skin and Bone

Homicide detective Kate Farrer, having tentatively recovered from being held captive by a psychopath, returns to work and catches an arson case that has left a woman dead. Forensics reveal that the woman had recently given birth; no baby is found. Kate and new rookie partner Oliver Parke investigate until sidetracked by the disappearance of a wealthy teenage girl. In the meantime, the entire unit is under investigation for corruption, with Kate herself falling under suspicion while suspecting her new partner. Fox strews just enough clues to keep readers guessing, then twists the plot assuredly. Both Farrer and Parke are delightful turns on the standard “veteran and rookie” buddy pairing, as Oliver demonstrates fresh ideas and reasoning that make him an excellent counterpart for Kate's cynicism and experience. Fox ties several story lines together deftly, and the forensics (Fox is an Australian physician-turned-author) enrich the story. (June)