Blood and Bone

Two high-profile cases occupy Alice Madison in Giambanco’s solid third thriller featuring the Seattle homicide detective (after The Dark). First, a gruesome murder that may have started as a simple burglary escalates when she finds a link to other murders for which the wrong person may have been convicted. Meanwhile, assassin John Cameron, whose life she saved about two years before when he was kidnapped by a drug cartel, is methodically killing off members of the same cartel. The DEA is convinced that Madison is in contact with Cameron and may be helping him. Realistic twists keep the suspense high, while personal details lend human interest. Madison has a troubled background, but her relationship with her boyfriend, Aaron Lever, and her partner, Det. Sgt. Kevin Brown, have brought her a much-needed stability. London-based Giambanco shows an affinity for Seattle, its neighborhoods and environs. Readers will look forward to Madison’s further adventures in the next installment. [em]Agent: Teresa Chris, Teresa Chris Literary Agency (U.K.). (Jan.) [/em]