Rutherford, Minn., population 100,000, isn't usually a hotbed of crime, but there's more than enough to keep police captain Jake Hines scrambling in Gunn's satisfying seventh novel to feature Hines (after 2007's McCafferty's Nine
). In particular, a rash of well-planned burglaries and a couple raising marijuana in their garage and producing meth in their house strain Jake's investigative unit. A still warm, battered male corpse found in the garage poses further challenges. Meanwhile, Jake is busy adjusting to the new responsibilities of fatherhood and further belt-tightening mandated by the city council. Well-crafted supporting characters include Bo Dooley, who makes a surprising move from vice to domestic violence crimes, and Amy “Winnie” Nguyen, who shows an unexpected flair for undercover work. Reminiscent of the late Ed McBain's 87th Precinct crew, Rutherford's diverse, squabbling police force gets the job done in entertaining fashion. (Feb.)
