Set in a Washington, D.C., seething with politicos and lobbyists, Davis's third political thriller (after The Passenger) pits three unusual cops against a murderous conspiracy. When a female air force colonel and her two children are brutally tortured and murdered, a D.C. detective, an air force investigator and a rural Virginia police chief find themselves up to their handcuffs in suspects, motives, high-level obstruction, coverups and more bodies. It turns out that the colonel's death may be linked to a secret report she was preparing to present to Congress that would disclose the facts behind recent fatal airplane crashes, with implications for the entire U.S. transportation system. A series of gripping twists and turns and the revelation of a top-level conspiracy will keep readers on edge, and Davis adds ballast with well-drawn characters. Lt. Simon Santos, the D.C. detective, is a wealthy bachelor who does not shake hands, has a dark family past and takes some dubious investigative shortcuts. Capt. Amanda Gardner, the air force investigator, is a hard-boiled pro with a quick trigger who knows a bit too much about the leading suspect. Rural cop and former government agent Martin Collins, who narrates, is the steady influence who tries to keep the three from getting killed, fired, arrested by the FBI or crucified by the press. Refreshingly, Davis (an air force veteran) does not use technology or electronic gimmicks to solve the crime; instead, his protagonists rely on interrogation, legwork and old-fashioned cop intuition. We can only hope for more crime-busting drama from these gumshoes. Agent, Karen Solem at Writers House. (July 9)
Forecast:The government conspiracy coverup at the heart of this story is a sure-fire element to attract readers. Davis's writing has improved with each outing, and this third thriller will undoubtedly establish his reputation.
