In Edgar-winner Housewright's engaging third mystery to feature Twin Cities sleuth Mac McKenzie (after 2005's Tin City
), an old girlfriend who's now the wife of Minnesota governor John Barrett seeks Mac's help in finding the source of a threatening e-mail accusing the governor of the long-unsolved murder of his high school sweetheart. Following the e-mail trail, Mac heads to Victoria, Barrett's hometown, where the governor was one of the still legendary "Victoria Seven" championship basketball team. The picture-perfect town quickly turns sinister as Mac attempts to interview the remaining team members and retired coach, who keeps a shrine to his former glory in his stately home. The chemistry between Mac and police chief Danny Mallinger brings out Mac's inner cad, further obscuring his mission. When Mac digs too close to the truth, he discovers a grisly staged suicide that brings the tragedy of the past smack into the present. Housewright's unapologetically flawed hero charms, while the clean plot lines, palpable Minnesota winter and understated humor make this a good, satisfying read. (May)
