Following 2022’s LINE OF DARKNESS, the ’70s nears an end. “Inflation was over ten percent. The economy was hemorrhaging jobs.” At an astounding 85 cents per gallon, the gas-guzzling Ford Torino that tyro private investigator Colleen Hayes drives to and from Sonoma County costs $25 a week.

Three sex workers have been killed, posed with arms spread crucifixion-style. They “had been sprayed with a teen fragrance known as Night Candy,” the moniker ascribed to the serial killer. Now a fourth victim appears to have been offed in a rush, no time for posing or scent. The presumed perpetrator is identified early. Is this Max Tomlinson’s wry use of poetic license, or is he teasing readers?

"Rarely is a mystery so richly entrenched in forensics, police procedure, investigative techniques and a novice investigator who tirelessly pursues the truth."

Colleen’s grandchild died at birth and, true to daughter Pam’s style of dealing with reality, runs from it. Cop friend-with-benefits Matt has interviewed for a CIA gig on the east coast. Once an adversary, SFPD Inspector Edmund Owens had engaged Colleen as a confidential informant, paving the way for the ex-con to obtain her PI license. Murdering a spouse for raping your pre-pubescent daughter can hinder licensure when languishing in a penitentiary for a decade. Now in charge of SFPD Internal Affairs, Inspector Ryan “looked like Fred Flintstone with a hangover.” He isn’t fond of either Colleen or Owens.

Owens and his ex, Alice, attempt to reconcile at the secluded cluster of cabins in Sonoma County, where they honeymooned. After dinner, she kicks him out. The next morning, Owens is charged with murder, his pistol found in the charred cabin remains. With overwhelming circumstantial evidence, even Colleen has doubts, but she visits her friend at the local lockup. Something seems screwy. Colleen slithers under crime scene tape, uncovering evidence not documented by local beadles who have never investigated a homicide.

Rarely is a mystery so richly entrenched in forensics, police procedure, investigative techniques and a novice investigator who tirelessly pursues the truth. Multiple plotlines and characters are like fine linen threads woven into an intriguing tapestry. NIGHT CANDY is sure to earn several literary awards and nominations.