cover image Music of the Spheres

Music of the Spheres

Michael Burke, Pleasure Boat Studio/Caravel (SPD, dist.), $16 trade paper (180p) ISBN 978-1-929355-10-5

Burke once again smoothly blends allusions to Greek mythology with familiar detective fiction tropes in his second mystery featuring winning, if slightly dim, PI Johnny "Blue" Heron (after 2009's Swan Dive). When Heron learns that Hank Menotti, who was convicted of manslaughter after stabbing his father, George Windsore, to death 12 years earlier, has been released from the state pen, Heron drives over to the house of George's son and Hank's half-brother, Billy, in the unnamed Northeastern town that serves as the series' setting. There he finds Billy dying with a knife wound in his back. Enlisted to assist in the murder investigation, Heron seizes the chance to rekindle his relationship with his ex-girlfriend and newly appointed chief of police, Kathy McGregor. Those who like their noir with a touch of whimsical humor will be satisfied. (Dec.)