Eleven Days

In Sherez's engrossing sequel to 2013's A Dark Redemption, Det. Insp. Jack Carrigan and Det. Sgt. Geneva Miller investigate the mysterious deaths of 10 nuns in a fire at a convent house in a posh London neighborhood. The nuns appear to have perished sitting at a table, having made no effort to escape the flames. An unidentified 11th victim turns up in a confession booth. Although Assistant Chief Constable Quinn presses for a quick and easy solution, Carrigan and his team soon realize this is a complex case. Most of the nuns served time in Peru, and at least five of them were tortured by a technique known as "tickling the bone," but their wounds are 30 to 40 years old. Father McCarthy, a priest who often visited the convent, is suddenly unavailable for questioning, and Roger Holden, the diocese's spokesman, is less than forthcoming. A surprising plot and well-developed characters led by Carrigan and Miller make for a highly satisfying mystery. Agent: Lesley Thorne, Aitken Alexander Associates (U.K.). (Oct.)