Clever Fox: A Dani Fox Novel

Pirro’s wickedly good sequel to 2012’s Sly Fox, which introduced feisty A.D.A. Dani Fox, highlights the political jockeying and rampant sexism of the Westchester County, N.Y., police department in 1980. When the tortured and mutilated body of Isabella Ricci is found in an uninhabited apartment, the case appears open and shut to Fox and her wisecracking but supportive partner, Det. Tommy O’Brien. Ricci was the daughter of a major Mafia family, and a senior member of a rival family was identified entering and leaving the apartment at the time of her death. But what about Ricci’s bitterly estranged husband? And who is the young man who was so relentlessly and aggressively stalking Ricci? Fox must also cope with bitter departmental rivalries and with total hostility between the local police and the FBI. An adroit plot, memorable characters, and some romantic twists make for satisfying reading. Agent: David Vigliano, Vigliano Associates. (July)