THEN SHE VANISHED

A war vet–turned–private eye hunts for a fellow vet’s missing wife and a mad bomber to boot.

Rising political star Dalton Strait hires fellow Iraq War veteran Roland Ford to find his missing wife, Natalie. The Straits are a notorious clan of petty criminals, but Dalton’s military record has helped him gain success in the California Assembly. Roland, who narrates in a relaxed first person, also gets a call from FBI Special Agent Mike Lark, asking for an assist in investigating the recent bombing of city hall by the so-called Chaos Committee. Uncertain whether Natalie has been the victim of foul play, Roland talks to people who know the couple. Natalie’s sister Ash Galland describes them as happy. Even if there was marital discord, could Natalie leave her two sons? The complexion of the case changes when Natalie’s abandoned car is discovered, a plea for help scrawled in lipstick on the upholstery. Dalton’s sister, Tola, runs a marijuana business; their hard-drinking granddad Virgil proudly shows Roland his collection of scorpions; neither seems concerned about the disappearance of Natalie, who blew through hundreds of thousands of dollars gambling and shopping. Seeking reelection against a formidable candidate, Dalton faces a further challenge: a controversial bill for veterans aid he’s sponsoring. When more bombings occur, Roland has to ask why. Since he didn’t serve in Iraq with Dalton, he consults Harris Broadman, who did and who presents a far darker picture of Dalton Strait. How do all these jagged pieces fit into a coherent puzzle?

Parker’s incisive character portraits and smooth, confident prose make his latest thriller taut and engaging.