Part of Mario Balzic Detective Mystery, book 8
First published 1989
Albert Castelucci's son lies dead, and the detective assigned to investigate has bungled the case badly. The grieving father turns to Police Chief Mario Balzic, his anger burning hot and his demand simple: find the killer or he will take matters into his own hands. Balzic knows Castelucci means every word. The chief must navigate between proper procedure and a father's raw need for vengeance. As Balzic digs into what the first detective missed, he uncovers the kind of messy truths that don't fit neatly into reports. Time runs short as Castelucci's patience wears thin. Balzic faces a choice between letting a father's justice play out or finding another way to balance the scales. The case tests everything Balzic believes about law, order, and what people owe each other when the system fails.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, detective
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
216 pages · Paperback · Mysterious Press