Like to Die

In this intriguing 15th novel featuring former St. Paul, Minn., cop Rushmore McKenzie by Edgar-winner Housewright (after 2017’s What the Dead Leave Behind), McKenzie, who’s now a millionaire with a penchant for off-the-books investigations, tries to figure out who’s sabotaging Salsa Girl, a small food business run by the enigmatic Erin Peterson. When the disruptions move from minor vandalism to the planting of a bomb in the truck she uses for deliveries, McKenzie digs in, even as Erin becomes evasive and reluctant to share any details that might uncover the villains. While the business mystery’s solution is telegraphed pretty clearly, another puzzle about a violent antagonist from Erin’s murky past, who’s on a single-minded quest for revenge, leads to some good action sequences. McKenzie proves an able protector of life, limb, “and the deep dark secrets that... people want hidden” in an entry sure to please old and new fans alike. Agent: Alison Picard, Alison J. Picard Agency. (June)