Crucifixion Creek: A Belltree Mystery

This nail-biting first in a trilogy from Ned Kelley Award–finalist Maitland (Raven’s Eye and 11 other Brock and Kolla mysteries) introduces Harry Belltree, a Sydney, Australia, homicide detective, who’s obsessed with the accident that killed his parents and left his wife, Jenny, blind from traumatic brain injury. When Greg March, Harry’s brother-in-law, is murdered, he helps with the case, until his superior takes him off it. Harry begins his own investigation, which quickly becomes entangled in a villainous conspiracy involving illegal land deals, dangerous bikers, and corrupt politicians. He’s helped by Jenny, who has expert computer skills, and by Kelly Pool, a pushy journalist to whom he feeds information to draw out those involved. In the pursuit of justice, Harry commits some shady acts that not only put him and everyone around him in serious danger but also jeopardize his law-enforcement career. Complex, interesting characters will keep readers engaged until the improbable and unsatisfying ending. (Nov.)