Killing with Confetti: A Peter Diamond Investigation

Edgar finalist Lovesey tries the patience of whodunit fans by delaying the murder for much of his tricky 18th novel featuring Bath CID Supt. Peter Diamond (after 2017’s Beau Death). When Deputy Chief Const. George Brace learns that the father of his son’s fiancée is notorious gang lord Joe Irving, who’s about to be released from prison, he worries that Joe’s freedom will make him a target for his underworld rivals. Brace taps Diamond to ensure that the wedding comes off without Joe being assassinated at either the ceremony or the reception. Scenes from the perspective of an unidentified sniper trying to get Joe in his sights raise the tension. Eventually, blood is shed, transforming the plot from a cat-and-mouse yarn into an impossible crime mystery. A prologue, set three years earlier, depicts a sophisticated scheme to break prisoners, including Joe, out of their high-security facility. Its relevance eventually becomes chillingly clear. Lovesey connects the dots plausibly and, as always, lightens the mood with dry wit. Even at less than his best, Lovesey satisfies. Agent: Jane Gelfman, Gelfman Schneider. (July)