Dead Wrong

In Dial’s workmanlike second mystery featuring LAPD Capt. Josie Corsino (after 2012’s Fallen Angels), Corsino faces a potential powder keg in her department. While checking out a likely false alarm as a member of a burglary task force, Sgt. Kyle Richards, a respected veteran of more than 20 years, shoots dead a suspect who turns out to be Terence “TJ” Dupre, a suspended African-American police officer. Dupre was connected to “slimeball” attorney Maxwell Palmer, who quickly announces plans to sue on Dupre’s behalf. While Det. Abe Romero oversees the investigation into Dupre’s death, Corsino deals with reassigning Richards, placating touchy deputy chief Annie McQueen, and organized protests against the shooting. At home, Corsino contends with a growing gulf between her and husband Jake. A possibly related murder complicates things, and points to corruption in police ranks. Corsino is tough, fair, and aggressive as she maneuvers through personal and professional minefields toward a painful resolution. (May)