Still Death: A Novel (A Detective Inspector Tessa Grantley Mystery Book
What happens when a detective falls in love with a homicide suspect? In this razor-sharp psychological thriller set in London’s gleaming art world, more than one life may depend on the answer.
A serial killer has struck again. London’s already on edge. And Detective Inspector Tessa Grantley doesn’t have a clue. The “Execution Murderer” certainly has a type: young, beautiful blondes. Other than that, there’s nothing linking the victims, and the killer has the unfortunate habit of leaving the scene without a trace.
SYNOPSIS
A serial killer has London on edge. The victims are of a type: young, beautiful blonde women. Save for their physical description, nothing links the victims, and the killer leaves no trace at the scenes of his (her?) crimes.
Detective Inspector Tessa Grantley meets a handsome, talented artist, Alec Hanay, seemingly by accident. Alec invites her to the opening of his first gallery show. Tessa dresses smart for the evening, looking forward to seeing Alec again. Once there, chaos ensues as Tessa realizes that Alec’s paintings include a series of nudes that include all of the victims.
Alec is arrested for the murders. He swears he’s innocent. Still, Alec’s sensual nudes are the only evidence that connects the victims. How could he NOT be guilty? Alec is put on trial. What looks like an open-and-shut case is blown apart by shocking evidence pointing to another culprit, evidence gathered by Tessa, who alone believes Alec. The case against Alec disintegrates. His dramatic trial ends in a bombshell acquittal.
Alec and Tessa wed. They have a son. Then, Alec vanishes.