No Mardi Gras for the Dead: An Andy Broussard/Kit Franklin Mystery

The discovery of a corpse buried in the garden of her new home sends New Orleans criminal psychologist Kit Franklyn off on a murder investigation with her boss, chief medical examiner Andy Broussard. Franklyn (with Broussard, last encountered in Blood on the Bayou ) has lately been besieged with doubts about her life and career, and she welcomes the opportunity to work on a case that might help exorcise a personal demon. Although she manages to date and identify the body as that of a hooker killed 27 years earlier, the case seems close to unsolvable until two more murders occur that link the skeleton from Kit's yard to a group of Broussard's wealthy physician friends. While the story's likable, modern protagonists, abundant forensic lore and vivid depictions of colorful New Orleans and its denizens are appealing, its plot relies on too many coincidences to please discerning mystery fans. (Oct.)