CITY IN SHADOW

A sanitation supervisor becomes involved in yet another deadly mystery.

Anna Winthrop is from a wealthy family but chooses to hold down an unglamorous job that often leads her into danger. After she sells a desk to two Ukrainian men who have a woman in their truck, Anna finds a note saying “Help Me,” an appeal she can’t ignore. Although she sees the elusive beauty again dining with a retired surgeon and in Grand Central Station, she’s unable to make contact with her before the woman’s body is found in the Hudson River. Meanwhile, Anna’s new neighbor, Nettie Clouchet, is secretly working on a book that will include Anna’s exploits. Nettie stumbles on a lead to a human-trafficking ring that is linked to Anna’s mysterious stranger. In addition, Anna has her hands full with her young cousin Patti, who’s visiting New York to get ideas about her future but actually has a secret agenda. Nettie becomes increasingly volatile as she worries about being stalked by her former boyfriend. Both she and Anna put their lives in danger posing as maids to gain entrance to Kirkmore, an apartment tower that holds the answers to the mystery. With help from her policeman boyfriend, Anna finally finds some answers, but not before putting her life at risk.

Another love letter to the city Marshall (Dark Alley, 2010, etc.) knows so well, this one marked by several interesting twists and Anna’s annoying lack of common sense.