This promising first of a new series from Gunn (McCafferty's Nine
and eight other Jake Hines police procedurals) introduces Sarah Burke, a newly minted Tucson, Ariz., homicide detective. When a jogger discovers a stabbing victim, Sarah's investigative team works diligently to uncover the man's identity. Meanwhile, Sarah, who's still recovering from a painful divorce, tries to cope with her sister's reckless behavior, which results in the kidnapping of her sister's young daughter, Denny. Gunn cleverly connects Denny's abduction to the stabbing and other mysterious murders, ratcheting up the suspense as sinister characters close in on Sarah's loved ones. Just when the outcome of the novel appears predictable, Gunn puts an inventive spin on the murders that leads to a surprising conclusion. Though descriptions of the Tucson area may be too detailed for some, the novel's fast pace and smooth plotting more than compensate. (Feb.)
