"Solving an old case creates another case"

Eight years ago, Andrew Stratton starved to death. That was the official cause of death of the cold case Jane Bauer, NYPD, and her two partners are assigned to investigate. His prominent sister has gotten the brass to reopen the case.

As they investigate and begin tracking down people in his past, they discover the suicide of his social worker. Things don't add up and soon they discover it was murder. They continue investigating and trying to discover what really happened to Andrew and his social worker. And what were they involved in.

I really enjoy this series by Lee Harris. Jane Bauer is a great detective and I like the way she works and thinks. Generally, I read more light mysteries (generally called cozies), but this is one police procedural that I always read. The characters are well written and the stories are interesting. There is enough police action but without all the gore of other authors.

I highly recommend this book and series.

Reviewed by Dawn Dowdle
Courtesy Mystery Lovers Corner
Posted July 9, 2006

Summary

Newly promoted to detective first-grade with the NYPD, Jane Bauer, is back to work after a nearly fatal run-in with a killer. But while she's happy to be back on the job, her new assignment--another cold case--seems to hold little promise of being solved. Eight years ago, Anderson Stratton, a schizophrenic, was found dead of starvation in his apartment. Nothing on the scene indicated foul play, and although he left no note, the death was ultimately ruled a suicide. Stratton's well- connected sister, Flavia Constantine, never accepted that conclusion, and has insisted that the case be reopened. But in their investigation, Jane and her team stumble upon another grisly suicide--and realize that the two may very well be connected. As her inquiry intensifies, Jane is led to a shocking and horrible truth--and once again finds herself on the threshold of death.