Down on Cyprus Avenue

Irish author Charles (A Pleasure to Do Death with You) launches his new Brendy McCusker series with this twist-filled tale of betrayal and revenge. McCusker, a retired detective inspector and contract employee of the Belfast police, assists Det. Insp. Lily O’Carroll with the kidnapping case of two Internet entrepreneurs, brothers Ryan and Lawrence O’Neill. In addition, McCusker leads the investigation into the murder of 33-year-old Adam Whitlock, an American lawyer whose attacker nearly decapitated him. Suspects are initially difficult to find, but with the help of diligent Det. Sgt. Willie John Barr, McCusker uncovers secrets in Adam’s past—and his millionaire father’s—that could provide motive. The two crimes are tied together for an unexpected resolution. The banter between McCusker and O’Carroll, whose desperation to find a man leads to bad dates and philosophical musings, effectively acquaints readers with their backstories and struggles. Engaging secondary characters, such as Barr, and a hint of romance at the novel’s end are a plus. (Nov.)