The Clouds Roll Away (A Raleigh Harmon Novel)
*Starred Review* Someone in Richmond, Virginia’s elite historical neighbornood wants rap star RPM to leave their little slice of paradise, and they let him know by burning a cross in his yard. FBI agent Raleigh Harmon, a forensic geologist transferred back home from the Pacific Northwest, is tapped to investigate what seems to be a hate crime, but soon discovers it’s more than that. As Raleigh dedicates herself to solving this case, going undercover for a dangerous sting, her former boyfriend, DeMott Fielding, wants to rekindle their relationship. Pulled in too many ways by ostracism at work, DeMott’s renewed need for her (and her time), and her widowed mother’s increasingly worse mental condition, Raleigh is on the edge. Beautifully written with exquisite descriptions, Giorello’s mystery also features well-developed characters, such as a rapper who plays classical music on a cello to relax. The themes of redemption and faith rediscovered are subtly integrated into the story. This is the third title in journalist Giorello’s excellent Raleigh Harmon series, following The Stones Cry Out (2007) and The Rivers Run Dry (2009). Libraries will want all three. --Shelley Mosley