At the start of this X-rated crime novel from Risqué (The Sweetest Taboo
), an unidentified woman bent on revenge is hiding in a closet in an apartment that the sex-addicted mayor of New York City, Kenyatta Smith, uses for trysts. The woman shoots Eve Johnson, a high-priced prostitute, while Eve and Smith are engaged in sex. The killer has just enough time to escape unseen before the oblivious Smith realizes he's cuddling a corpse. Since Smith ensures that the body disappears, the FBI becomes involved in what's treated as a missing persons case. A steamy affair develops between FBI special agent Blessing Shield and Eve's employer, Collyn Bazemore, who operates an exclusive call-girl business, Red Light Special. Was it Smith's neglected, long-suffering wife, Monday, who murdered Eve? Or did one of Smith's many disgruntled lovers pull the trigger? Some readers may have a tough time identifying with the selfish, abusive Smith. Others may wish Risqué had focused more on political intrigue and less on bedroom play. (Nov.)
