Still Waters
John Harvey's ninth book about British police investigator Charlie Resnick, who runs the homicide bureau in a city very much like Nottingham, doesn't immediately punch you in the stomach the way previous entries did. Instead,Still Watersoffers several smaller stories ticking along at the same time. But the growing ranks of Resnick fans should find plenty to enjoy, including Charlie's delight in jazz and food (breakfasts supplant his legendary sandwich creations this time out). First-timers should certainly recognize the force and beauty of Resnick's gently sarcastic humanity as he pursues a friendly neighborhood art thief and tries to link the killing of an abused woman with a series of bodies found in local canals. Owl Books published Harvey's first two Resnick novels--Lonely HeartsandRough Treatment--as well as 1996's stunningEasy Meatas handsome paperbacks.