The Dread Line

In Edgar-winner DeSilva’s overly busy fifth Liam Mulligan novel (after 2015’s A Scourge of Vipers), the Rhode Island reporter turned PI has become a partner in an illegal gambling enterprise. This connection comes in handy when the New England Patriots hire Mulligan’s investigative firm to do a deep background check on an offensive tackle, Conner Bowditch. The football team is considering trading up in the draft to select Bowditch, but, in light of increased character problems among NFL players, wants to be sure that he has no skeletons in his closet. Despite Bowditch’s sterling personal reputation, Mulligan is convinced that he does have something to hide. Meanwhile, Mulligan is also dealing with a sadist who’s kidnapping dogs and torching them, as well as a baffling jewelry heist from a bank’s safety deposit box. DeSilva throws in some clever twists, but the compelling moral dilemma his lead faces ends up underdeveloped. Spenser fans will find this a passable substitute. Agent: Susanna Einstein, Einstein Thompson Agency. (Sept.)