XO

Thriller Award–winner Deaver’s excellent third novel featuring Kathryn Dance (after 2009’s Roadside Crosses) takes the California Bureau of Investigation agent on a vacation trip to Fresno, where she plans to collect music for her American Tunes Web site and visit her country music star friend, Kayleigh Towne, who’s preparing a hometown concert. Meanwhile, persistent stalker Edwin Sharp pursues Towne in a manner that precludes legal action and frustrates local detectives. Sharp becomes the prime suspect in the murder of one of Towne’s road crew, but he consistently eludes or outsmarts the law team’s attempts to prove his involvement. Plenty of surprises and red herrings complement developments in Dance’s problematic relations with boyfriend Jon Boling and Det. Michael O’Neil of Monterey County. Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs, the leads of Deaver’s other series, make cameo appearances in a novel sure to please fans of both series. Agent: Deborah Schneider, Gelfman Schneider Literary Agents. (June)