Skating on the Edge

At the start of Charbonneau's fun third mystery featuring roller rink owner Rebecca Robbins (after 2011's Skating over the Line), Rebecca is slated to serve in the dunk tank at the Native American Days event in Indian Falls, Ill., but cancels at the last minute because her eccentric grandfather needs her help with his Elvis impersonation. Instead, roller derby queen Sherlene Patsy gets into the tank, where she's electrocuted. When a heavy disco ball nearly lands on Rebecca's head, someone tampers with her skates, and shots are fired at her, the roller girls of team EstroGenocide set out to thwart the murder plot that Rebecca fears may involve her unreliable father. The solution to the mystery may displease readers who believe in fair play, but the genuine warmth between the characters, the fierce loyalty of the roller derby team, and the distinct thawing of Rebecca's lawman nemesis, Sean Holmes, compensate. Agent: Stacia Decker, Donald Maass Literary. (Oct.)