Deeper Than the Grave: A Tai Randolph Mystery

Whittle skillfully intertwines Civil War relics with modern-day re-enactors and the Darknet, “like the Internet, only without the safeguards,” in her intricate fourth mystery featuring Atlanta gun shop operator Tai Randolph (after 2013’s Blood, Ash, and Bone). Tai’s late Uncle Dexter becomes a person of interest when Tai unearths the skull of Lucius Dufrene, a man whose demise Dexter had perfect motive, means, and opportunity to execute. Trusted boyfriend Trey Seaver has installed a cache of safety and electronic surveillance equipment in her gun shop, but feisty Tai still manages to get in harm’s way. Suspects abound. Is it Richard, caretaker of the wealthy Amberdecker family grounds? Or is it some unseen mafia-type, an upstart re-enactor linked to the Darknet, or even an esteemed Amberdecker? Tai and Trey have their work cut out if they’re going to exonerate Dexter and live long enough to take their relationship to the next level. (Nov.)