Chained: A Kate Turner, D.V.M. Mystery

The discovery of the remains of Flynn Keegan, who everyone in Oak Falls, N.Y., assumed left for Hollywood after graduating from high school a decade earlier, propels Brady’s well-crafted third Kate Turner mystery (after 2015’s Unleashed). Someone evidently killed Flynn and buried him in the woods. Since Kate has plenty on her plate, she stays out of the investigation until Flynn’s family asks for her help and she starts chatting up pet owners about Flynn during client visits. Some recount tales of an earnest young man with big dreams, others are reticent to discuss the past, and a few are only too happy to gossip about the teen and his effect on the town’s ladies. As Kate’s digging turns up more secrets and long-buried lies, she has too many suspects and too little evidence. But when a high school classmate of Flynn’s is murdered, Kate knows she’s both perilously close to the truth and in grave danger. Brady keeps the suspense high through the surprising ending. (Dec.)