POLITICAL POISON

Gay homicide cop Paul Turner (Sorry Now?, 1991) and his straight partner, Buck Fenwick, are called to the University of Chicago office of professor Gideon Giles, an educator, alderman, and media-star—and newly deceased (nicotine poisoning). Giles's commodities trader wife Laura is upset—but not unduly; his arch political rival McGee, who lost to him in the last election (inexplicably), seems pleased—but not gleeful; his media consultant leaves town in a hurry; and a fired political aide (a much hated female-harasser) can't be found. Is any one of these people guilty? Or is the murderer a jealous university colleague? All the likely suspects are trotted out, interviewed and/or gossiped about, but nothing much comes of it. Meanwhile, a young male campaign worker develops a crush on Paul; and Paul's 91-year- old neighbor arranges for him to meet a reclusive mobster and discuss mob involvement in the case—but nothing much comes of it. Finally, a small lie trips up the murderer—and reveals a motive that readers will find hardly compelling. Bland, predictable, and far less interesting than Zubro's other series featuring a gay schoolteacher baseball-pitcher lover (The Principal Cause of Death, etc.).