Beneath the Surface: An Inspector Tom Reynolds Mystery

In Spain’s intriguing sequel to With Our Blessings, Aiden Blake, Ireland’s Minister for State Resources and Energy Efficiency, appears well on his way to becoming the country’s next prime minister. When Ryan Finnegan, Blake’s political adviser, is found shot to death in the halls of Parliament clutching a compromising photo of the minister, the authorities order Det. Insp. Tom Reynolds, the head of the Dublin Murder Squad, to solve the case as quickly as possible and avoid scandal. The police investigation leads to an offshore drilling bill that Blake is supporting, along with evidence of backroom deals, blackmail, and payoffs. Meanwhile, Reynolds has to figure out who would profit the most from Finnegan’s murder, with greedy politicians the obvious suspects. Well-developed characters keep the reader engaged. Spain provides a timely look at the murky world of collusion between government and corporations. Agent: Nicola Barr, Bent Agency. (Aug.)