Deadly Cove: A Lewis Cole Mystery

Protests at the Falconer nuclear power station on New Hampshire's coast form the backdrop for DuBois's suspenseful, satisfying seventh mystery featuring magazine reporter Lewis Cole, who once "worked as a research analyst for an obscure section of the Department of Defense" (after 2006's Primary Storm). When someone shoots local peace activist Bronson Toles dead at one of the demonstrations Cole is covering, Cole looks into the backgrounds of Curt Chesuk, leader of the violent Nuclear Freedom Front, as well as the head of the pro-nuclear New England Trade Union Council and Toles's family. As the demonstrations continue in the emotional aftermath of Toles's murder, Cole arranges to interview the elusive Chesuk at his secret compound, a meeting that puts both Cole and his best friend, Det. Sgt. Diane Woods, in peril. Well-drawn and sympathetic characters add to the story's authenticity. The cliffhanger ending will leave series fans anxious for the follow-up. (July)