Murder in Exile

When Frank Cole's computer business goes bankrupt in O'Neil's fast-paced debut, the judge in the case unexpectedly rules that any money Frank earns before the claims are settled will be treated as part of the bankruptcy. Months later, Frank is living in Exile, Fla., where he works as a lowly fact checker for an insurance company and makes very little, on his lawyer's advice. When asked to investigate a routine case, a young man's hit-and-run death, Frank quickly scents something fishy. Digging further, Frank concludes that the "accident" was really murder, and that the victim was mistaken for the actual target, a high-profile businessman. The proverbial can of worms has split open, and Frank has to stay alive long enough to get the goods on the murderer. With his breezy, low-key narrative style, Cole makes an engaging sleuth. This entertaining novel won the 2005 Malice Domestic/St. Martin's Press best first traditional mystery contest. (Apr.)