Books like Cold case by Linda Barnes

A case almost a quarter of a century cold turns red hot again when Carlotta Carlyle, a private investigator and part‑time cab driver, finds herself drawn into the hunt for the source of a manuscript written in the unmistakable voice of Thea Janis, the young literary sensation who vanished twenty‑four years ago at the height of her fame. As pages from an inflammatory new manuscript appear, the detectives question whether the author is a victim, a plagiarist, or a killer. The Boston Police Cold Case squad refuses to reopen the murder, while Thea’s brother—a dashing politician in a gubernatorial race—facing a fiery young wife and a ruthless reputation, struggles with his own issues. Amidst the turmoil, Thea’s older sister retreats into oblivion and an aristocratic mother finds refuge in a bottle. Carlotta confronts past demons and present danger as she uncovers layer after layer of the glamorous family’s dark secrets, making *Cold Case* her toughest and most intriguing assignment yet.

First publish date: March 9, 1998