Next of Kin: Detective Buddy Lock Mysteries

Early in Tucker’s impressive first novel and series launch, NYPD Det. Buddy Lock receives a call from attorney Ray Sawyer, who’s representing 10-year-old Ben Brook, a member of a wealthy Manhattan family. Three days earlier, on New Year’s Eve, someone murdered Ben’s parents and his sister with a hatchet at their house in the family camp complex in the Adirondacks. Ben managed to elude the killer and phone 911. Sawyer, who’s now Ben’s guardian, begs Buddy to help find the killer. Buddy, whose own family broke up because of his excessive devotion to work, hesitates to take the case for fear of jeopardizing his relationship with his new girlfriend, Mei Adams. Nevertheless, after a failed attempt on Ben’s life, which results in another death, Buddy agrees to take charge of the investigation. Buddy’s battle of wits with the vicious killer keeps the excitement level high throughout. The surprise ending will leave readers impatiently awaiting Buddy’s next outing. [em]Agent: Will Roberts, Gernert Company. (Oct.) [/em]