The Devil’s Claw: A Jennifer Dorey Mystery

The discovery of a young woman’s body on a Guernsey beach puts news reporter Jennifer Dorey, the heroine of Dearman’s dark debut and series launch, on a tortuous trail into the island’s murky past. Eighteen-year-old Amanda Guile appears to have drowned by accident, but a prologue reveals that she was murdered. Over the next few days, Jennifer learns that five other young women died of drowning in 1966, 1974, 1985, 1994, and 2002; like Amanda, they all had fair hair and blue eyes. Jennifer shares her findings with Det. Chief Insp. Michael Gilbert, who agrees a serial killer is at work and begins to interview the victims’ surviving relatives. The suspense rises as the narrative shifts between the points of view of frustrated, increasingly anxious Jennifer and steady, plodding Michael. Glimpses into the mind of the unknown killer heighten the tension. A native of Guernsey, Dearman makes good use of the British dependency’s unusual topography and history. Well-developed characters ensure that readers will want to see more of Jennifer and company. Agent: Kari Stuart, ICM. (Jan.)