For the Dignified Dead

In Genelin’s compelling fifth mystery to feature Slovakian police commander Jana Matinova (after 2011’s Requiem for a Gypsy), the authorities believe at first that an unidentified woman, whose body is pulled from the Danube on a cold December day, committed suicide by jumping in the ice-covered river. But when the autopsy uncovers a wound that looks like it was made by an ice pick, Matinova believes it might be the work of an old nemesis known to her only as Koba. After the woman is identified, evidence that the victim may be involved in an investment scheme comes to light, and the stakes get higher for Matinova when she realizes she’s now a target. The chilly European setting is the perfect backdrop to very dark deeds, and Matinova is a clever and capable heroine who’s not afraid to buck the system to solve her cases. Those who like strong female characters and meticulously plotted procedurals will be rewarded. (Nov.)