New Year's Eve Murder

On one of her first outings with her 6-week-old baby, Chris Bennett and her husband Jack, a New York City detective, visit friends on New Year's Eve. That night, the friends learn about a young woman who's been missing for several days. Already the veteran of eight other murder mysteries (including the Edgar nominee, The Good Friday Murder), ex-nun and amateur sleuth Chris immediately embroils herself in the case, talking to the woman's mother, boyfriend and co-workers. What keeps readers turning the pages is Chris's persistent questioning and her own struggles to adjust to motherhood. Many of the other characters aren't particularly likable, including the missing girl--a rather smart touch. But Chris is, and she, along with the realistic dialogue and light unexpected touches, make this a winner. (Jan.)