The Mercy of the Night

At age eight, Jacquelina “Jacqi” Garza, the central character in this gripping crime novel from Edgar-finalist Corbett (Do They Know I’m Running?), was abducted and tortured. After the child predator was caught, Jacqi was subjected to relentless media exposure in her hometown of Rio Mirada, Calif. Now 17, she escapes from the rehab facility that the authorities put her in after she assaulted a teacher and a policeman. The rehab center asks Phelan Tierney, a disgraced attorney now working as a PI, to search for Jacqi. The police are also hunting her because security cameras show she’s a witness to a murder. Pete Navarette, a career criminal involved with Jacqi’s mother, wants the girl sent away and dispatches two thugs to find her. The thugs threaten Phelan, who thereafter becomes even more determined to locate Jacqi. But if he does, it’s unclear whether she’ll accept his help. This thrilling roller-coaster ride builds to an exciting conclusion. (Apr.)