Death of an Artist

Even in a scenic hamlet on the Oregon coast, there’s no dodging death for former NYPD homicide detective Tony Mauricio in this atmospheric, suspenseful stand-alone from Wilhelm (Heaven Is High and 11 other Barbara Holloway legal thrillers). Tony, divorced and now retired on disability after his hip was shattered in a controversial line-of-duty shootout that left a teen dead, has come to Silver Bay in hopes of becoming a craftsman. He soon forges new friendships, particularly with bighearted gift shop owner Marnie Markov and her fetching granddaughter, Van, a medical student. But when Marnie’s daughter and Van’s mother, Stef—a prodigiously talented and troubled painter—ends up at the bottom of a staircase under circumstances her loved ones deem suspicious but local authorities do not, Tony may be the only one preventing someone from getting away with murder. Even after the satisfyingly surprising climax, the reader may be loath to leave Silver Bay and these affecting characters. Agent: Charles Schlessiger at Brandt & Hochman. (Mar.)