By Carole C. Deily

This riveting police procedural was written by a Plano police officer and is set in Plano during a very cold winter. The story begins at Collin Creek Mall and the main characters, detectives Greg Rush and Rick Chinbroski, are often found in east Plano or zipping up and down Highway 75, giving local readers a special feeling of "being there" in the story.

Early on, Rush and Chinbroski are confronted with the brutal murder of Jane McElroy, a local matron who perhaps looked too wealthy and talked too much. She unwittingly revealed information that made her a target for "The Listener" who used high-tech listening devices with great skill in choosing and tracking his prey.

Through evidence found at the murder scene, the two detectives learned that someone besides themselves was following the killer. She had visited the scene before they arrived and along with her footprints had left a very confusing note. She seemed to tease them into finding her. But, why didn't she just reveal herself and help them?

The two detectives are a lively pair. Although not at all alike, they are loyal partners with complementary strengths and skills. They are hemmed in by plice protocol and regulations, as well as an exasperating supervisor, but keep up a good-natured and colorful banter as they think and plan diligently about this perplexing case. They consider what would be moral and ethical behavior, as well as what the law allows, as they proceed.

As time goes by, facts emerge, revealing that the killer is terribly cruel and relentless and the stakes in catching him are high. Suspense builds to an almost unbearable level in the final moments of the case.

Not for the faint-hearted readers, this story gives a fascinating look inside the world of police work. The author promised that more books about these two loveable cops are on the way.

Carole C. Deily is a librarian and avid reader. Her reviews appear monthly in Plano Profile.