Mortal Sins

Judith Hayes, the Toronto-based journalist and single parent who debuted in Hidden Agenda , returns in a deftly written novel abounding with intrigue. Granted an interview with reclusive financier Paul Zimmerman, Judith receives an unsolicited ending for her profile: he dies suddenly of an apparent heart attack. But Zimmerman's ex-wife, Eva, sends Judith a telegram proclaiming he was murdered. Circumstances become more bizarre as Judith's consort, homicide detective David Parr, links the businessman to one of his current casesthe death of Harvey Singer, a retired clothing manufacturer. The connection between the two men remains inexplicable until Judith visits Eva. She and David then embark on a trip to Hungary to discover the past relationship between Zimmerman and Singerthe key to solving and, more importantly, understanding both crimes. Readers will eagerly await the next assignment for Porter's thoroughly credible and engaging heroine. (October)