The Reflecting Pool: A Marko Zorn Novel

The death of Secret Service agent Sandra Wilcox, found floating in the Reflecting Pool on the Mall in Washington, D.C., propels Eskin’s idiosyncratic debut and series launch. Det. Marko Zorn of the Metropolitan Police immediately runs into official resistance as he begins looking into Wilcox’s apparent murder. The Secret Service, which had assigned Wilcox to the elite presidential protection detail, refuses to help, as do the FBI and Homeland Security, both of which vaguely mention Wilcox’s ne’er-do well brother and his ties to a group called the Brotherhood of the Aryan Dawn. Even a presidential adviser, who knew Wilcox personally, warns Zorn off, saying national security is at risk. None of it sits well with Zorn, an impatient, bull-like homicide detective who prefers to get his way with charm, but will quickly resort to confrontation if need be. The plot wanders at times, but readers will look forward to seeing more of Zorn, a distinctive lead with his dry humor, clipped dialogue, and rogue tendencies. Eskin, a former diplomat who served in the U.S. Foreign Service, is off to a good start. Agent: Judith Ehrlich, Judith Ehrlich Literary Management. (Sept.)