A STEEP PRICE

4 stars out of 5

In my little world of books, not much makes me happier than finding a dependably enjoyable series. And this one, featuring Seattle homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite, fills that description - I look forward to reading each installment knowing I won't be disappointed. This book, the 6th in the series, is no exception (and to that end, many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance review copy).

Tracy, now married to Dan, an attorney, is expecting a baby. She's been keeping it a secret except for her partner, Kinsington Rowe (and well, her husband, of course). So when she comes back to the office after a day in court providing testimony to find a new female detective sitting at her desk, she's perplexed to say the least. When the woman offers no real apologies for taking over the spot - and asks Tracy about her pregnancy - Tracy wavers between fighting mad and concerned about her job.

All that takes a back seat, though, when a friend calls to report a missing woman. Nothing is official - the woman, who is from a traditional Indian family from whom she is for the most part estranged, hasn't been gone long and she's a competent adult - but concerns quickly begin to suggest foul play. Missing persons cases aren't in Tracy's bailiwick, but she convinces her boss to let her have a go at it.

As this plays out, Tracy's co-workers Del Castigliano and "Faz" Fazzio run to a shooting in a drug-infested part of town; the victim has been vocal about the need to clean the neighborhood swamp, so there's a good chance she was murdered simply to shut her up. Del and Faz will work the case as best they can, but the waters get harder to navigate when Faz gets some bad news on his home front that weighs heavily on his mind.

The investigations bring the usual excitement and twists (although I'm proud to say I guess one correctly). But this book pokes a number of emotional hot buttons as well, such as arranged marriages and other Indian traditions, working women and pregnancy, prostitution and adult "dating" websites and dealing with life-threatening illness. Collectively, it creates an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. Well done once again!

A Steep Price by Robert Dugoni (Thomas & Mercer, June 2018); 380 pp.