Simple

In Edgar-finalist George’s well-constructed sixth police procedural featuring Pittsburgh homicide detective Richard Christie (after 2011’s Hideout), Commander Christie and his crew look into the relatively bloodless murder of beautiful paralegal Cassie Price. Suspicion immediately falls on handyman Cal Hathaway, who discovered the body in the victim’s apartment. Suspicion later falls on gubernatorial candidate Michael Connolly, who was having a clandestine affair with Price that might have ruined his candidacy. Political party organizer Todd Simon was supposed to take care of the problem. Despite a confession by a confused Hathaway, Christie senses something wrong, and insists on a closer examination of the case. Christie and company patiently weed through endless interviews, trace evidence, and the complex relationships of many flawed characters, including the malleable Hathaway, weak-willed Connolly, and cocky Simon, who scrambles to stay ahead of the investigation. Series fans should be pleased. Agent: Ann Rittenberg, Ann Rittenberg Literary Agency. (Aug.)