Low Profile: A Detective Superintendent Henry Christie Novel

Early in Oldham’s well-crafted 21st Henry Christie novel (after Judgment Call), the savvy Blackpool veteran arrives at the house of diamond merchant Percy Astley-Barnes just after a hit man fatally shot Percy and his girlfriend, Lotte Bowers. The man escapes after firing at Henry, who must figure out a motive for the gangland-style execution. Meanwhile, in Puerto Rico, Steve Flynn, a former Lancashire cop turned fishing-boat captain, becomes a suspect in another double killing. Oldham blends these two stories, which converge on the sinister Costain clan. Scott Costain’s illicit activities in Puerto Rico eventually lead Henry to patriarch Liam Costain in Blackpool. The core of the story is strong enough on its own, but Oldham adds some nifty twists as Flynn fights to get clear of dangerous thugs and Christie hunts a killer who is also hunting him. Oldham leavens the action with heart and humor. (Aug.)