Dead Center: A Nikki Trakos Mystery

Introduced in Dead Ahead , Brooklyn police detective Nikki Trakos makes a welcome second appearance. A smart, nose-to-the-grindstone cop who, at 31, occasionally wonders if she should be married to a man instead of her job, Nikki is now in charge of her first major case, the murder and sexual mutilation of a high-profile Manhattan politician. Given the victim's prominence, Nikki knows she must get results fast. One problem is her new partner, an old-line cynic who resents having to work under a woman younger than his daughter. Another problem is her ex-partner and ex-lover Dave, who doesn't understand her request for some ``space.'' The victim's mutilation and unsavory private life link the case to an old one of Dave's. Nikki and he combine investigations and uncover other murders as they comb Brooklyn and Manhattan for information. The sexual tension between the two cops combines with their tough, original professional work, finally resulting in credible, satisfying resolutions on both fronts. (Apr.)