Midnight Clear

Callahan Garrity (Strange Brew, etc.) is the owner of the House Mouse cleaning business in Atlanta and a part-time PI. She lives with her mother, Edna, with whom she runs the business, employing several eccentric assistants. As the story opens, Callahan and Edna are cooking the traditional family treats for their annual staff Christmas party when, after a 10-year absence, Callahan's prodigal brother shows up. Brian is the black sheep of the family, with a long history of booze and recklessness. Now, however, he thinks he's finally taking responsibility with a vengeance: he has kidnapped his three-year-old daughter, Maura, from her unfit and slutty mother. As if fighting with his ex-wife and abducting his child weren't enough drama for his horrified sister and mother, Brian soon asks for their help when he is suspected of murder. In addition to lively characters, Trochek delivers in this seventh Garrity mystery an unusually vivid Atlanta, as she smartly unfurls an engrossing tale of family troubles and family loyalty. (Nov.)