The Mermaid and the Monster — Angela P. Wade

When someone, or something, leaves a trail of headless corpses around Belcamp, Edward Red Mage finds himself investigating some of the lowest and most depraved places and people of his career. He traces the deaths to one seedy tavern . . . but is blocked from further investigation for fear of crating a scandal. Meanwhile, his childhood flame, Elizabeth Fuller, is back in town. She's as attractive as ever, and seems to be attracted to him. The only catch? She's married. With a serial killer stalking the city, and a worldly woman stalking Edward, what could possibly go wrong?