Keeley, D.A.

Keeley overcomplicates his second mystery with an abundance of federal and state agents and story lines, making the plot difficult to follow. Peyton is a well-drawn, sympathetic protagonist, but she's almost overshadowed by the supporting characters. Still, the Maine ambience will be a plus for readers who savor Paul Doiron's "Mike Bowditch" novels. Also of interest to fans of Nevada Barr.

This debut procedural includes a dizzying number of side stories, making for a high-drama read from the get-go. Keeley's torrid pace seems improbably laden with dysfunctional characters, but the pages just fly by. A solid bet for Nevada Barr and Tricia Fields fans. Keeley is a pseudonym for mystery writer John Corrigan.