City Problems: An Ed Runyon Mystery

Former New York City cop Ed Runyon, the hero of this exceptional series launch from Goble (the Spider John series), has relocated to Ohio’s Mifflin County for a quieter, less violent life as a sheriff’s detective. Those plans go awry when he’s asked to help with a missing person’s case. High school junior Megan Beemer, an unlikely runaway with no family or school issues, was last seen at a party in nearby Columbus, Ohio, where a local band was playing. Runyon and Det. Shelly Beckworth of the Columbus PD, one of many distinctive supporting characters, track Megan’s movements, questioning boys from the band and other suspects. As the days pass, the case burrows deep into Runyon’s tortured soul and psyche, as it has too many similarities to his last case in New York, which continues to haunt him. Will Runyon be able to keep it together when he confronts Megan’s assailant, or will he lose control? Goble matches a well-crafted plot with a deeply troubled lead who’s unfailingly on the side of the victim if not always on the right side of the law. Fans of gritty, realistic crime fiction will look forward to seeing a lot more of Runyon. Agent: Evan Marshall, Evan Marshall Agency. (July)