Body Line: A Bill Slider Mystery

When someone kills Dr. David Rogers with a single shot to the back of the head in his posh London home, Det. Insp. Bill Slider and his team investigate in Harrod-Eagles's solid 13th Bill Slider mystery (after 2010's Fell Purpose). The divorced, womanizing doctor, whose promising career was derailed by a scandal some 10 years earlier, left few clues to his employment and confusing ones about his rich lifestyle. Superintendent Porson offers support and endless malapropisms (e.g., "Talk about a needle in a woodpile!") in a case that Porson opines will come down to "sex or money." Slider and his key players, including Det. Constable Norma Swilley, whose macho image has been undercut since her return from maternity leave, are usually competent, sometimes inspired, sometimes lucky. This fine ensemble procedural produces a surprising picture once all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. (Apr.)