The Silence That Speaks

In bestseller Kane’s prosaic fourth Forensic Instincts novel (after 2013’s The Stranger You Know), an attempt on the life of Madeline Westfield sends her to the FI team, which is led by behavioral expert Casey Woods. The quest for Madeline’s would-be killer centers on Manhattan Memorial Hospital, where she is a surgical nurse; her ex-husband, Conrad, a cardiothoracic surgeon, heads the cardio unit. The hospital is in a state of nervous flux: former administrator Ronald Lexington died after an operation by Conrad, who is now in a mental health facility. Unpopular Jacob Casper, interim administrator, is pushing for a merger with New York Medical Center, which threatens staff positions. Ronald’s bitter widow, Nancy, is one suspect, but there are plenty of others as Casey and the members of her super team uncover a wide range of rivalries and jealousies. Unfortunately, their efforts don’t generate much heat. Agent: Robert Gottlieb, Trident Media Group. (May)