cover image Hearts of the Missing

Hearts of the Missing

Carol Potenza. Minotaur, $27.99 (368p) ISBN 978-1-250-17828-2

Potenza’s outstanding debut and series launch is sure to please fans of mysteries that respectfully depict Native American culture and beliefs. Sgt. Monique “Nicky” Matthews works for the Fire-Sky Pueblo police on New Mexico’s Tsiba’ashi D’yini reservation. When a missing person case is resolved as a suicide, the deceased’s relatives and Nicky’s own mysterious visions lead her to suspect murder. Despite resistance from her hostile captain, Nicky and her intriguing—but possibly untrustworthy—new colleague, Frank Martin, investigate a connection to a pair of unsolved killings from two years earlier. Their search puts them into conflict with a powerful casino magnate and brings an old flame back into Nicky’s life with unpredictable consequences. Nicky, a strong, nuanced lead, inhabits a world populated by well-developed supporting characters. Another plus is Potenza’s vivid portrayal of the desert landscape. Readers will look forward to seeing a lot more of Nicky and her friends. (Dec.)