cover image The Blue Journal: A Detective Anthony Walker Novel

The Blue Journal: A Detective Anthony Walker Novel

L.T. Graham. Prometheus Books/Seventh Street, $15.95 trade paper (350p) ISBN 978-1-63388-060-3

This gripping mystery, the first in a projected series from the pseudonymous Graham, introduces Lt. Det. Anthony Walker, who recently left the NYPD to spend more time with his family in Connecticut, only to have his wife move out and ask for a divorce. Devoted to his new job on the local police force because it’s all he has left, Anthony buries himself in the investigation of the shooting murder of Elizabeth Knoebel. His only clues are an unidentified gray car that sped away from the Knoebel house and an encoded diary describing in explicit detail Elizabeth’s many sexual encounters. When decoded, the diary reveals that among Elizabeth’s predatory conquests were women in her therapy group as well as some of their husbands participating in parallel sessions. Both groups are led by psychologist Randi Conway, who invokes patient confidentiality to avoid answering Anthony’s questions. The action builds to an exciting and unexpected conclusion. Bob Diforio, D4EO Literary Agency. (Jan.)