The Blood Runs Cold

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Detective Chiara Corelli is not much loved by her fellow police officers after an investigation into corruption she uncovered. In The Blood Runs Cold by Catherine Maiorisi Chiara is called to investigate the ritual murder of a young gay man who happens to be the son of the Italian Ambassador to the U.N. Bickering with her partner PJ Parker adds to the drama. (The Blood Runs Cold will be published on FEbruary 19 by BellaBooks.) 

While investigating the murder scene, Chiara discovers wine and cheese set out as if the victim knew his killer and had planned to entertain. Interviewing the co-workers of the victim, Chiara finds he was in a relationship and would not be likely to pick up a random stranger and bring him back to his apartment. This almost points to someone he knew.

Pushing back against the investigation are the Ambassador and his wife. They don't want the publicity of their gay son being killed because the Ambassador is in line to become the next Prime Minister of Italy.

When another gay man is found dead in the same position Chiara thinks they might have a homphobic killer on their hands. Kate Burke, the lesbian Speaker of the City Council, wants to be kept in the loop, but Chaira thinks she is just inserting herself because she is newly elected to her seat, so she delays meeting with Kate.

After a third victim is found, Chiara thinks it might be time to pay Speaker Burke a visit. When she arrives at the office, Chiara is shocked to see a photograph that includes the Speaker, the three victims and several people close to her personally.

An excellent police procedural with twists, turns and surprises. Looking forward to other mysteries featuring Chiara Corelli.