Dark Waters

The plot of Cooper’s enjoyable 12th mystery featuring smalltown Oklahoma sheriff Milt Kovak splits neatly in two. Milt—along with his wife, their preteen son, and the son’s buddy—is on a cruise ship returning from Puerto Rico. The discovery of the strangled corpse of a passenger in a lifeboat leads to a rushed investigation before the ship docks and the culprit has a chance to escape. Meanwhile, back in Prophesy County, acting sheriff Emmett Hopkins worries that a vicious wife murderer, just released from prison, will take revenge on the victim’s family. But then someone shoots the SOB between the eyes. Each case becomes complicated, and Emmett has a lot of suspects to keep track of while supervising the quirky members of the sheriff’s department. Aboard ship, Milt is beset by an exasperating swarm of kids who keep butting in, but who also keep finding valuable clues. Cooper has Milt’s friendly drawl down pat, and she clearly understands family and the dynamics of a small office. Agent: Vicky Bijur, Vicky Bijur Literary Agency. (July)