The Red Queen Dies

Set in Albany, N.Y., in 2019, this intriguing series opener from Bailey (Death’s Favorite Child and three other Lizzie Stuart mysteries) introduces biracial police detective Hannah McCabe, who gets on the trail of a serial killer that a blogger (now known as a “threader”) and political gadfly has dubbed the “Albany Ripper.” The first two victims are young local women, with no apparent connection, but the third is visiting actor Vivian Jessup, who played the Red Queen in a Broadway production of Alice in Wonderland. Albany history and plenty of old movie lore supplement the sleuthing. Readers will enjoy this mildly disorienting future, in which much remains the same (e.g., the city still can’t get no respect) while much has changed (e.g., the Yankees have been on a losing streak for years). The big weakness is the ending, which is a little too convenient and leaves some issues unresolved. Agent, Josh Getzler, Hannigan Salky Getzler Agency. (Sept.)