Still Life — Ralph M. McInerny

This new series by the author of the popular Father Dowling series introduces Egidio Manfredi, a detective in charge of special projects who is nearing retirement, and Noonan, his much younger partner. Based in Fort Elbow, OH, the two are called upon to reopen an unsolved missing persons case when they are contacted by Virginia, an attractive, thirtyish grad student working on papers left behind by the long-missing poet wife of an emeritus professor. In turn, the police eventually connect Virginia to a much more recent suspicious death. Clever repartee, hidden alliances both present and past, false claims of guilt, pointed observations on aging, and surprising marriage plans underscore the author's talents. This smooth-going book is a promising start; for McInerny fans and larger collections. Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.