Quick off the Mark: An Alex Quick Mystery

In Moody’s so-so sequel to 2016’s Quick and the Dead, art historian Alexandra Quick, who was once the youngest detective chief inspector in England, until she left the force after losing an unborn child and her husband ran off with his longtime mistress, resumes police work to help Dimsie Drayton, a childhood friend. Dimsie begs Alex to investigate the murder of her brother, Tristan Huber, whose mutilated body was found in a field outside the university town of Longbury, the word cheat carved into his chest. Three more murders follow that may be related to Tristan’s. Alex’s efforts to find links among the murders—conducted while she tries to remedy her nonexistent love life and meet a fast-approaching publication deadline for her first book—bring her in contact with rodeo workers, possible human traffickers, and businessmen who may have ties to a Hong Kong triad gang. A compelling heroine makes up only in part for a narrative loaded with too many characters and subplots. (Jan.)