The Myth Maker

A Washington State detective investigates a series of Greek goddess–inspired murders in Dumas-Heidt’s overambitious debut. In the midst of juggling a crumbling relationship, a capricious younger sister, and grief over the murder of her best friend, Tacoma police detective Cassidy Cantwell is handed the tricky case of a serial killer whose most recent victim was the wife of her high school boyfriend. Puzzled by the staging of the crime scenes, Cassidy turns to professors at the University of Washington for help. They inform her that the bodies of the killer’s female victims have been posed to mimic classic images of Greek goddesses. As the case garners national attention, the FBI and SWAT teams join the fray; meanwhile, Cassidy receives anonymous messages about her best friend’s long-unsolved murder. The core investigation is intriguing enough to keep the pages turning, but Dumas-Heidt crowds it with far too many characters and inconsequential personal crises for Cassidy. As a result, the characterization of Cassidy feels curiously flat, and the action is more exhausting than exhilarating by the time the climax rolls around. Dumas-Heidt’s reach exceeds her grasp. Agent: Elizabeth Kracht, Kimberly Cameron & Assoc. (July)